Cascara Sagrada Extract
- Contents
- Uses. Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses: Cascara was a folk medicine used by native American people and immigrants as a natural laxative.
- Benefits. Cascara used to be approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug for constipation.
- Cautions. ...
- Interactions. ...
- References. ...
What is cascara sagrada extract?
What is Cascara Sagrada Extract? Cascara sagrada is Spanish for “sacred bark.” It describes the aged or dried bark of the Rhamnus purshiana plant that is native to the northwestern region of North America. Other regions are home to similar species of Rhamnus including R. frangula in Europe and R. davurica in Asia.
How does cascara work as a laxative?
Cascara is considered a botanical stimulant laxative and as such it works by causing increased peristalsis (muscle contractions) in the intestines, which helps to move stool through the bowels to produce a bowel movement. Cascara’s ability to act as a laxative is attributed in scientific research to its content of anthraquinone glycosides.
What is a cascara tree?
Cascara, also known as cascara sagrada, bitter bark, cascara buckthorn, cascararinde and chittem bark, is a small tree or shrub that can be found growing North American locations including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, as well as Southeast British Columbia.
Is cascara an OTC drug?
“Dietary supplements” don't have to meet the standards that the FDA applies to OTC or prescription drugs. Cascara is used as a laxative for constipation, as well as a treatment for gallstones, liver ailments, and cancer.
What are the side effects of cascara?
Side effects include stomach discomfort and cramps. But cascara sagrada is possibly unsafe when used for more than one week. This could cause more serious side effects, including dehydration, low levels of electrolytes, heart problems, muscle weakness, and others.
Is cascara used as a laxative?
Cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) is a shrub. The dried bark used to be FDA approved as an OTC laxative for constipation. It's now used in supplements. Cascara sagrada contains chemicals that stimulate the bowel and have a laxative effect.
Does cascara make you sick?
Cascara can work as a laxative. In some people cascara can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin, do not take excessive amounts of cascara.
Is cascara sagrada safe for long term use?
However, cascara sagrada has possible side effects especially if taken long-term. It can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes (minerals), which can lead to serious side effects and complications.
Is cascara sagrada good for weight loss?
Cascara sagrada bark contains chemicals called anthraquinones, which provide its color and also its laxative effects. (2) Cascara sagrada weight loss claims are easily found around the internet, but this is neither a recommended nor safe use of the herb.
Is cascara sagrada good for the liver?
Cascara Sagrada is a herbal medication used for short term treatment of constipation, generally well tolerated but is known to cause liver injury when used in higher doses than recommended.
What laxative makes you poop instantly?
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing the amount of fluid/salts in the intestines. This effect usually results in a bowel movement within 15 to 60 minutes. The normal frequency of bowel movements varies from once daily to 1 to 2 times weekly.
Is cascara high in caffeine?
While originating from the coffee plant, cascara has about a quarter of the caffeine levels compared to regular brew. One study found out that cascara tea has around 25mg of caffeine per cup (compared to 80mg of caffeine per cup of coffee), no matter how long the steeping time is.
Is there caffeine in cascara?
Cascara is a tea-like drink with a fine, fruity flavor and plenty of caffeine, and it's popping up everywhere.
What does cascara sagrada do to your body?
Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative. It works by causing muscle contractions in the intestines. These muscle contractions help move stool through the bowels. The bark contains chemicals called anthraquinones that give it its color and its laxative effect.
Is cascara sagrada the same as Senna?
Senna is regarded as more potent than another natural laxative, cascara sagrada. Senna is often included in multi-herb products used for intestinal cramps or for dieting. However, the use of laxatives for weight loss is highly questionable and can be dangerous.
What is cascara herb used for?
Cascara sagrada is an herbal medication used for centuries as a laxative which is now available in the United States without prescription for short term treatment of constipation.
What does cascara sagrada do to your body?
Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative. It works by causing muscle contractions in the intestines. These muscle contractions help move stool through the bowels. The bark contains chemicals called anthraquinones that give it its color and its laxative effect.
How often can I take cascara sagrada?
The usual dose is 300 mg taken 1 time a day. Taking cascara at a higher dose or for longer than 6 days is not advised. When taken by mouth, it has these effects: Acts as a laxative or purgative, to loosen and increase bowel movements.
Is cascara sagrada the same as Senna?
Senna is regarded as more potent than another natural laxative, cascara sagrada. Senna is often included in multi-herb products used for intestinal cramps or for dieting. However, the use of laxatives for weight loss is highly questionable and can be dangerous.
How much caffeine does cascara have?
While originating from the coffee plant, cascara has about a quarter of the caffeine levels compared to regular brew. One study found out that cascara tea has around 25mg of caffeine per cup (compared to 80mg of caffeine per cup of coffee), no matter how long the steeping time is.
What is this product used for?
Cascara is used by some people as a laxative. This product is not considered to be safe for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What are the precautions when taking this product?
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
Consumer information use
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What is a cascara?
Cascara, which means “husk,” “peel” or “skin” in Spanish, is the dried skins of coffee cherries. These pulped skins are collected after the seeds (aka coffee beans) have been removed from the cherries. They are then dried in the sun before they are packaged and shipped off. These dried bags of coffee cherries are not unlike bags ...
How is cascara made?
A s with most tisanes, cascara is made by steeping the dried coffee cherries in hot water. Because coffee cherry tea is relatively new to the United States, there is no exact recipe for brewing the perfect cup. This provides room for cafés to experiment with water-to-tea ratios and steeping times. As a general guideline, Square Mile suggests using ...
What is Cascara sagrada?
While this tea sounds similar to cascara, it is quite different: Cascara sagrada is the dried tree bark from the California buckthorn tree and is often used for laxative purposes.
Where is cascara coffee made?
The drink is still popular in these countries today and is actually consumed more often than coffee in Yemen, as it is less expensive. While cascara has long been produced in Yemen and Ethiopia, coffee growers in South America (especially in El Salvador and Bolivia) have also begun to sell and export cascara.
Is cascara tea a tea?
While cascara isn’t exactly coffee, it isn’t tea either. Because cascara comes from the genus coffea instead of the Camellia sinensis plant, it can’t be classified as a true tea. Nor is cascara quite what some people imagine when they think of herbal tea, as cascara is made from a fruit rather than an herb.
Does cascara taste like coffee?
Coffee, tea or both? Cascara is found somewhere at the intersection of coffee and tea—although it comes from the coffee plant, the drink doesn’t taste anything like coffee. Cascara is often described as having a sweet, fruity taste with notes of rose hip, hibiscus, cherry, red current, mango or even tobacco.
Can you drink cascara tea cold?
Cascara can also be cold brewed and served as an iced tea—Verve Coffee Roasters’ website offers the following directions: “Use six tablespoons of tea for every 10 ounces of cold water. Place tea in water and let stand in the fridge for 24 hours. Strain and enjoy.”.
What is cascara laxative?
Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels. Taking cascara along with other stimulant laxatives could speed up the bowels too much and cause dehydration and low minerals in the body.
What is Cascara SAGRADA?
Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin). Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with CASCARA SAGRADA.
Is Cascara a stimulant or a laxative?
Decreasing how much medicine your body absorbs can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. Stimulant laxatives interacts with CASCARA SAGRADA. Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative . Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels.
Is cascara sagrada safe for breast feeding?
Pregnancy and breast -feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cascara sagrada is safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Cascara sagrada is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth while breast-feeding.
Is Cascara sagrada safe for adults?
Side Effects. When taken by mouth: Cascara sagrada is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken for less than one week. Side effects include stomach discomfort and cramps. Cascara sagrada is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used for more than one week.
Does Cascara Sagrada help with constipation?
Constipation. Cascara sagrada has laxative effects and may help relieve constipation in some people . Emptying the colon before a colonoscopy. Most research shows that taking cascara sagradaalong with magnesium sulfate or milk of magnesia does not improve bowel cleansing in people who are undergoing a colonoscopy.
Can Cascara affect potassium?
Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with CASCARA SAGRADA. Cascara is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking cascara along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.
What is cascara used for?
Cascara is used as a laxative for constipation, as well as a treatment for gallstones, liver ailments, and cancer. Some people use it as a “bitter tonic.”. In foods and beverages, a bitterless extract of cascara is sometimes used as a flavoring agent. In manufacturing, cascara is used in the processing of some sunscreens.
What is Cascara a stimulant?
Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects of digoxin (Lanoxin).
What is cascara laxative?
Cascara is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives speed up the bowels. Taking cascara along with other stimulant laxatives could speed up the bowels too much and cause dehydration and low minerals in the body.
How long is cascara safe?
Side Effects. Cascara is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth for less than one week. Side effects include stomach discomfort and cramps. Cascara is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used long-term. Don't use cascara for longer than one or two weeks.
Can cascara be used as a laxative?
Warfarin ( Coumadin) Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider. Cascara can work as a laxative. In some people cascara can cause diarrhea.
Can cascara cause diarrhea?
Cascara can cross into breast milk and might cause diarrhea in a nursing infant. Children: Cascara is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth. Don't give cascara to children. They are more likely than adults to become dehydrated and also harmed by the loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.
Is cascara a shrub?
Cascara is a shrub. The dried bark is used to make medicine. Cascara used to be approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug for constipation. However, over the years, concerns were raised about cascara's safety and effectiveness. The FDA gave manufacturers the chance to submit safety ...
How to make cascara?
Here are the steps on how to make it properly: 1 Put all the ingredients above into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Make sure to stir until sugar dissolves; 2 Allow the syrup to cool down by removing the saucepan from heat; 3 Take a strainer to filter the cascara; 4 Store the syrup in a jar and keep it refrigerated.
What is cascara coffee?
It is starting to find its place in the speciality coffee industry. It’s usually infused to prepare a tea with all its sweetness and floral notes. As it’s easy to replicate, people also make it cascara at home with the help of a french press and hot water. It’s also grown in popularity for making a simple syrup to then mix it for making cocktails.
When was cascara used?
As a traditional medicine, cascara was used by Native Americans as an herbal laxative. In 1805, scientists formally identified cascara sagrada, but its bark wasn’t frequently used for medicinal purposes until around 1877. ( 4)
What is cascara sagrada?
Cascara sagrada, which is used medicinally, is the dried bark of the cascara tree which is made available in solid and liquid forms. Cascara sagrada bark contains chemicals called anthraquinones, which provide its color and also its laxative effects. ( 2) Cascara sagrada weight loss claims are easily found around the internet, ...
Why is cascara called sagrada?
In Spanish, cascara sagrada means “sacred bark.”. This name may have come from Spanish priests who named the tree for its similarity to wood used for the ark of the covenant and/or for its impressive medicinal abilities. ( 3) As a traditional medicine, cascara was used by Native Americans as an herbal laxative.
How long is cascara safe?
Cascara is believed to possibly be safe for the majority of adults when it’s taken by mouth for less than seven days. What are the side effects of cascara sagrada? Common cascara sagrada side effects include stomach upset and cramps.
When was Cascara sagrada approved?
Cascara sagrada was previously found in OTC laxative drugs and was approved by the FDA up until 2002 when the FDA ended its approval for use and classification as a drug.
Is cascara sagrada safe for constipation?
In more recent years, cascara sagrada was approved by the FDA as an ingredient in commercial laxatives, but reservations began to be raised about the effectiveness and safety of this herbal remedy for constipation.
Can cascara sagrada be used for cancer?
Other than it ’s long history of use as a laxative for constipation, some people believe it can be used as a treatment for liver problems, gallstones, and cancer — but the evidence to date for these uses is lacking. ( 1) In this article, I want to discuss possible cascara sagrada benefits along with known cascara sagrada dangers.
What is the effect of cascara sagrada on the body?
Confusion. Depression. Return of constipation (rebound constipation) Excessive doses of cascara sagrada can cause bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and the inability to urinate (acute urinary retention).
What drugs does Cascara Sagrada interact with?
Drug Interactions. Cascara sagrada may interact with a class of drugs called cardiac glycosides used to treat heart failure, including digoxin, digitoxin, and digitonin. It does so by depleting the body of the sodium and potassium it needs to stimulate heart contractions.
How long does cascara sagrada bark take to dry?
The processing of cascara sagrada bark can differ. It is typically removed, diced, and dried for up to one year to reduce its potency. 1 Some manufacturers will heat the bark to speed the process. The dried bark can then be powdered or boiled and distilled for herbal products.
What is the name of the dried skin of a coffee cherry?
Cascara sagrada should not be confused with cascara—the dried skin of coffee cherries that some use to make lattes and other coffee drinks. Cascara sagrada is also known by the names California buckthorn, bearberry, yellow bark, and sacred bark, as well as chittem and chitticum in the Chinook language of the Pacific Northwest.
How long does it take for cascara sagrada to work?
Generally speaking, cascara sagrada will induce a bowel movement within eight to 12 hours of taking a dose. While cascara sagrada is believed by some to prevent or treat gallstones, liver problems, hemorrhoids, fissures, and even cancer, there is little to no evidence to support these claims. Benefits and Side Effects of Anthraquinones.
Does cascara sagrada help with bowel movements?
Unlike these counterparts, the effect of cascara sagrada tends to be gentler, resulting in fewer loose or watery stools. 1 Cascara sagrada also works differently than demulcent laxatives like psyllium, which creates a gel-like substance that helps ease stool from the bowels.
Can cascara cause dehydration?
If taken for more than a week or two, cascara sagrada may cause severe dehydration and the rapid loss of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. This can trigger an array of potentially serious side effects, including: Severe nausea. Loss of energy. Headaches.
What is the ORAC of 343,900?
Secondly, the production method is not disclosed. The ORAC of 343,900 is for the dried powdered flesh. Right off the bat we can tell you that will have more antioxidants than fresh cascara coffee berries. This is because the water content has been removed to make the powder.
Is cascara syrup a superfood?
Prior to that abomination, this fruit was a superfood.
Is Starbucks Cascara more antioxidant dense than Goji?
That’s the ORAC for raw coffee cherries which have been air-dried and then ground to a powder. It’s over 100x more antioxidant-dense than goji! The problem with Starbucks cascara is that you’re not getting it in that form. For one, you don’t even know how much coffee cherry Starbucks is using.
Does Starbucks use cascara syrup?
Starbucks hasn’t clarified if they’re using the unmodified watery extract or the concentrated powder to make their cascara syrup. If it is the watery extract, then expect an ORAC of around 10x less – 30,000 to 40,000. But that would be for the pure coffee fruit. They’re using mostly sugar!
Cascara Sagrada Benefits
- The active compounds in cascara sagrada and its related species are a group of chemicals called anthraquinones. They cause muscular contractions (aka peristalsis) in the colon, which in turn stimulates a bowel movement. These compounds, including a notable one called emodin, are w…
Cascara Sagrada Side Effects
- Common side effects of cascara sagrada include cramps and stomach upset. Children under 12 should not use cascara (x). It may be harmful to take cascara for longer than a 1-2 week period. Possible serious side effects associated with long-term use include muscle weakness, dehydration, low electrolyte levels in the blood, heart problems and liver and kidney damage (x). …
Cascara Sagrada Dosage
- As a dietary supplement, take 900 mg (heavy 1/2 tsp) once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and stomach discomfort. Provided suggested serving sizes are adhered to, this supplement should be safe to take for healthy adults. However, those with GI disorders and pregnant/nursing women should not take this product. Ch…
The Bottom Line
- Stimulant laxatives for constipation are usually a last resort after exercise, diet and other therapies fail. When that time comes, however, cascara sagrada extract is an effective one. By promoting peristalsis, this supplement can provide relief to occasional constipation. It can also help prevent or promote healing of hemorrhoids. Formerly a common ingredient in commercial l…
Clinical Overview
- Use
Clinical studies of cascara have focused on its laxative effects, although cascara is no longer considered safe for this use. Attention has shifted to cascara's constituent emodin and its possible therapeutic applications in the treatment of various conditions, based on animal and in … - Dosing
Cascara sagrada nonprescription laxative products were declared no longer safe or effective by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. Typical doses of cascara are 1 g of the bark, 2 to 6 mL as a fluid extract, or 100 to 300 mg of dried bark extract.
Botany
- The official cascara sagrada is the dried bark of the typically small- to medium-sized R. purshiana wild deciduous tree found in North America (eg, California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana) and as far north as Southeast British Columbia. The tree grows up to 18 m in height and has thin, elliptical to ovate-oblong, acutely pointed leaves. The ...
History
- In traditional medicine, cascara was used as a laxative by American Indians and immigrants to America. R. purshiana itself was not described officially until 1805 and was not introduced into medicine until 1877. The berries of the European counterpart (European buckthorn, Rhamnus frangula) were described in the London Pharmacopoeia of 1650. In 2002, the FDA issued a final …
Chemistry
- The active laxative constituents of cascara include at least 6% to 9% anthracene derivatives, which exist as normal O-glycosides and C-glycosides. The 4 primary glycosides or cascarosides A, B, C, and D contain both O- and C-glycosidin linkages that are chemically designated as the C-10 isomers of the 8-O-beta-D-glucopyranosides of aloin and chrysophanol. A number of dianthro…
Uses and Pharmacology
- Laxative
On November 5, 2002, the FDA ruled that cascara sagrada nonprescription laxative products were no longer considered safe and effective.FDA 2002 Systematic reviews published in 2001 reported the use of cascara and other laxatives in randomized controlled trials demonstrating improveme…
Dosing
- On November 5, 2002, the FDA ruled that nonprescription cascara sagrada stimulant laxative products were no longer generally recognized as safe or effective.FDA 2002 Use in children younger than 10 years is contraindicated.WHO 2002 Commercial cascara preparations include crude preparations, extracts, and essential oil.Leung 1980 Typical doses of cascara are 1 g of th…
Pregnancy / Lactation
- Avoid use. Emmenagogue and abortifacient effects have been documented.Brinker 1998, Ernst 2002, Newall 1996 Anthranoid metabolites may be excreted in breast milk.WHO 2002
Interactions
- Case reports are lacking. Long-term cascara use may lead to potassium deficiency, which can potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics, and corticosteroids.Abebe 2003, Vogel 2005 Interference with the absorption of other drugs is possible with anthranoid-containing plants, including senna and cascara.Fugh-Berman 2000, WHO 2002
Adverse Reactions
- Extended or habitual use of cascara should be avoided because it can cause chronic diarrhea and weakness due to excessive potassium loss. Long-term use can also cause melanosis coli (melanin pigmentation of the colon mucous membranes), a benign and reversible injury of the colonic epithelial cells caused by anthraquinones. In one case report, a patient developing melan…
Toxicology
- Overdose of anthraquinone laxatives results in intestinal pain and severe diarrhea, with consequent electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. Treatment is symptomatic, with special attention given to potassium and other electrolyte levels, especially in elderly patients and children.WHO 2002 No causal relationship between long-term use of cascara and colorectal can…