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
An established use with an unusual evidence base
In its 2020 assessment, EMA describes cascara as having well-established medicinal use, but reports no studies evaluating cascara itself, alone or with other laxatives. Its conclusion rests on extensive clinical experience, how the medicine works and research on related anthraquinone substances. That supports a narrow constipation use, rather than a general promise of better gut health. 1
EMA recognizes short-term use through clinical experience and related-substance evidence, without direct cascara trials. 1
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Gut Health3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
3 publications are linked to Cascara sagrada, newest first.
Sources
- Cascara: Summary for the public European Medicines Agency, 2020