Cascara - Cascara Sagrada

What is Cascara?

The Cascara sagrada (sacred bark) is obtained from the bark of Rhamnus purshiana (Fam. Rhamnaceae), a deciduous tree up to 18 meters high, typical of California and Chile, but also cultivated in the European continent (Italy) and in that African (Kenya).

Laxative Properties

Cascara sagrada belongs to the category of anthraquinone laxatives, (plant extracts that act exclusively in the large intestine, increasing peristalsis and irritating the mucosa). In particular the cascara is indicated if you want to obtain an easy defecation, characterized by soft and abundant poltacean feces. Its purgative action is lower and sweeter than that of senna and aloe juice; however, if taken at high doses it has a rather violent action. For this reason, any abuse or prolonged use should be avoided.

Mode of Use

The required effect appears on average eight hours after intake; for this reason cascara-based products should preferably be administered in the evening. It is generally recommended to take 2-4 ml of fluid extract (100-250 mg) before going to bed. Very often the cascara is not sold individually, but in the complex of laxative preparations based on anthraquinone drugs (senna, frangola and rhubarb).

Side effects and contraindications

Due to the ability of anthraquinones to cross the placental barrier and be excreted in milk, the use of cascara is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

The use of these preparations should always be preceded by a medical consultation. Excessive consumption of laxatives, including cascara, can in fact have important metabolic and gastrointestinal repercussions, to the point of causing particularly severe and irreversible complications.