What is the medical use of cascara?
Cascara sagrada is a species of buckthorn plant native to North America. The bark of the plant has been used to relieve constipation and is marketed as a dietary supplement. It is also used as an ingredient in the Hoxsey herbal formula, an ineffective alternative cancer treatment. Introduction. Cascara is a popular herbal medication and over-the-counter therapy of constipation. Cascara is generally safe and well tolerated, but can cause adverse events including clinically apparent liver injury when used in high doses for longer than recommended periods.Side effects, toxicity, and interactions Do not use cascara if you have chronic intestinal problems. These include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, sprue, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, any unexplained stomach pain, or irritable bowel syndrome. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use cascara sagrada.Cascara sagrada is a shrub used for its laxative effects, but it is not FDA-approved for this use due to safety concerns. Cascara sagrada can cause serious side effects like dehydration and electrolyte loss, especially if used long-term.Cascara medicines contain substances called anthraquinones, comparable to those found in other herbal laxatives such as senna. They stimulate bowel movements, encouraging the bowels to empty. They also alter the absorption of water and salt from the bowels.