CASCARA SAGRADA

COMMON NAMES: Chittim Wahoo, Sacred Bark, Holy Bark, Persian Bark, Puchiana Bark, Christ’s Thorn, Bear Wood, California Buckthorn
 

PLANT PARTS: dry bark, (aged)
 

ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Anthraquinone glycosides, (emodin, frangulin, iso-emodin, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol), rhein, aloin, malic acid, tannic acid, cascarosides A, B, C, and D, Hydroxy anthracene derivatives (HAD). NOTE: Volatile oils can be found in Cascara Sagrada bark that has not been aged for at least one year.
  

PHARMACOLOGY: It is the free anthraquinone and hydroxyanthracene derivative (HAD) which give Cascara Sagrada its laxative action. These compounds promote more peristalsis in the large intestine and at the same time, trigger a nerve center which facilitates bowel movement. The active constituents of Cascara are absorbed through the small intestine, enter the circulation and stimualte the autonomic nervous system to create peristalsis. Cascara also contains small amounts of bitter anthracene and aloin compounds which account for the cathartic action of Aloe Vera and Senna as well. Anthracene derivitives have been used for their cathratic action for hundreds of years. Bark that is too young can cause side effects. The ratio of anthrone to antraquinone changes as the bark ages. For this reason, matured dried  bark is preferred for pharmaceutical uses.