Cascara sagrada is a botanical ingredient derived from the dried bark of the tree Rhamnus purshiana, commonly known as California Buckthorn or Sacred Bark. The bark contains anthraquinone glycosides, which contribute to its traditional use as a stimulant laxative. Historically, it was used by Native Americans and later adopted in conventional medicine for the relief of occasional constipation.
Understanding Cascara Sagrada Formulations
Cascara sagrada is sold in several distinct preparations, each offering a different method of consumption. The most basic form is the dried, aged bark itself, which users can steep to create a tea or decoction. The bark is typically aged for at least one year to reduce irritating compounds.
A common and convenient form is the encapsulated powder or tablet, often containing a standardized extract of the bark. These solid dosage forms provide a precise, measured amount of the active ingredients. Liquid extracts or tinctures are also available, offering a concentrated solution that can be mixed into water or juice.
Retail and Online Purchasing Options
The most reliable places to find cascara sagrada are specialty channels catering to herbal and dietary supplement consumers. Online specialty retailers, such as dedicated herb shops and supplement websites, typically offer the widest selection of products. These sites often stock less common forms, like bulk dried bark or high-potency liquid extracts, alongside standard capsules.
Major e-commerce platforms and large online retailers also stock a variety of cascara sagrada supplements. You can find numerous brands of capsules and tablets through platforms like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, offering convenience and competitive pricing. Consumers should be aware that the volume of sellers on these platforms can lead to variability in product quality and supplier reputation.
Physical purchasing options include health food stores, natural pharmacies, and dedicated herbalist shops. Stores like Whole Foods Market and local vitamin stores often carry reputable brands of encapsulated cascara sagrada. Due to its regulatory history as a former Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug, it is less likely to be stocked in conventional pharmacies or large grocery stores.
Regulatory Status and Safe Sourcing
Cascara sagrada is currently classified as a dietary supplement. In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed it from the list of ingredients “generally recognized as safe and effective” for use in OTC laxative drug products, citing a lack of necessary data. This change meant that products containing it could no longer be marketed as an OTC drug for laxative purposes.
Cascara sagrada is sold under the legal framework of a dietary supplement, which is regulated differently than pharmaceuticals. This designation shifts the responsibility for ensuring a product’s safety and efficacy to the manufacturer. Consumers should look for products from reputable suppliers that adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and utilize third-party testing.
Third-party verification tests supplements for purity, potency, and contaminants, providing assurance regarding quality. Since the FDA does not approve supplements before they are marketed, choosing a supplier that invests in independent quality seals or certifications is a practical step. Always check the product label for the concentration of active ingredients and follow directions for short-term use, as prolonged use is not recommended.