Is Cascara Sagrada Harmful?

"Cascara sagrada" is the Spanish name for the American buckthorn tree. The name, which means "sacred bark," was coined by Spanish priests who saw how the Native Americans used the bark. It is an herb that, when prepared properly, works as a laxative and improves the overall function of the digestive system. At one time, it was approved for over-the-counter use by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. In 2002 the FDA banned its use, citing a study by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research that shows the herb can cause dependency and is a possible link to an increased risk of developing hepatitis and cancer of the colon.

Benefits

• Cascara sagrada has been used as a natural laxative for over 1,000 years by Native American tribes in regions where the tree grows, which runs north and south from Canada to California, and inland to some parts of Montana. The herb also conditions the walls of the colon and large intestine, making it stronger. Powder from dried and ground bark, when rubbed into the skin, blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Risks

• If taken in large doses or for more than seven days, Cascara sagrada can create a dependency in the body, preventing the elimination of waste without the aid of the drug. It can irritate ulcers or further inflame the bowels of anyone who has irritable bowel disease. Pregnant or nursing women should not take the herb, nor should children under the age of 12. The bark and berries of the tree, when taken raw, can cause bloody bowel movements and vomiting. The bark needs to be heat-processed and dried before use. Native Americans used to let it sit and dry for a year before using it.

Side Effects

• Commonly reported side effects when using the drug include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, sweating and a lack of appetite. If used on a regular basis, the frequent elimination of the bowels can result in a loss of potassium and electrolytes. The herb should not be used in conjunction with any other herbs or medications that cause a loss in potassium, or with any heart medication such as Lanoxin.

How It Works

• Cascara sagrada contains special compounds called anthroquinones. The anthroquinones cause peristalsis, which is when the colon starts contracting. The contractions create a bowel movement. Most people take the herb in capsule form. The capsules contain dried and powdered bark. The standard dose for an adult is 300mg, and it usually takes between 6 and 10 hours before the drug takes effect. For this reason, many people take it at night, before going to bed.

Expert Insight

• According to a recent study by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the long-term use of the herb Cascara sagrada has been linked to growths in the colon and large intestine, which can be a precursor to colon cancer. While Cascar sagrada has not been proven in any controlled study to specifically cause cancer, the FDA has recommended that further studies be done on the herb before it is again made available for use as an ingredient in over-the-counter laxatives.