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Botanical

Cascara sagrada

Cascara sagrada is the dried bark of Rhamnus purshiana, a North American tree. It contains anthraquinones, which stimulate bowel movements.

Also listed as Rhamnus purshianus, Rhamnus davurica, Cascara Sagrada Extract, Cascara Sagrada Powder

Gut Health

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

ConstipationStrongA3 studies
Gut healthSmallCNo linked study
Gut IntegrityGut HealthSmallCNo linked study
Bloating & gas reliefGut HealthSmallCNo linked study
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is cascara used for?

Cascara comes from the bark of Rhamnus purshiana. Its anthraquinones stimulate bowel movements and change water and salt handling in the intestine, helping stool pass. The European Medicines Agency recognizes specific preparations for short-term treatment of occasional constipation. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Cascara sagrada's ratings.

Herbal Medicine for the Management of Laxative Activity.2021Non-pharmacologic Approach to Pediatric Constipation.2021A Serendipitous Find: A Case of Cholangiocarcinoma Identified Incidentally After Acute Liver Injury Due to Cascara sagrada Ingestion

Why people take it

Detox26.9%
Gut Health26.9%
Essential Health19.3%
Weight Management10.1%
Organ Function7.6%
Immune Support6.7%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Can cascara be used every day long term?

EMA limits use to one week; longer use can cause dependence and interfere with bowel function. 1

Does herbal mean safe in pregnancy?

No. EMA states that cascara medicines must not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 1

What if constipation continues?

EMA recommends consulting a doctor or pharmacist if constipation persists or worsens while using cascara. 1

Sources

  1. Cascara: Summary for the public European Medicines Agency, 2020