Cascara is an official herb in many countries for relieving chronic constipation.

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Cascara sagrada Therapeutic uses and health benefit.

Cascara Sagrada Bark Extract INCI Name Rhamnus Purshiana Extract CAS 84650-55-5 EINECS ELINCS No 283-515-5 Buckthorn Extract photo picture image Internal use: Cascara sagrada bark is used for constipation where a stimulant laxative is required. it is also used for colitis, digestive complaints, hemorrhoids, liver problems, and jaundice.Cathartic, bitter tonic, alterative, hepatic, stomachic, and febrifuge.

 External use: Bark extracts are used externally to curb nail biting.Aromatherapy and essential oil use

 The value of cascara sagrada as a laxative is clear for easing constipation, when it's taken properly and at a safe dosage. In fact, cascara is such a mild laxative that it can safely be used by the elderly and for the mild constipation that can occur following anal or rectal surgery as it prevents the pressure and pain associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissures. However, additional medical indications have not been substantiated and little is known about additional benefits of this herb.

 A bowel movement usually will take place within six to eight hours of taking a typically recommended dose of cascara sagrada.

 Therapeutics and Pharmacology:

 The hydroxyanthracene glycosides in Rhamnus are poorly absorbed from the small intestine but they are hydrolysed by bacteria to the active aglycones, which are partly absorbed in the colon and are excreted predominantly in the faeces but also in urine, giving it an orange colour. The hydroxyanthracene aglycones inhibit water and electrolytes absorption from the colon and induce active secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestinal lumen. Due to the increased volume of contents, pressure in the intestine is increased and peristalsis stimulated. The laxative effect of Rhamnus is augmented by a pronounced bitter stimulating effect, particularly active in promoting liver function and bile secretion. Anthrones and anthranols will pass into breast milk, so this remedy should not be taken whilst breastfeeding.

 Mode of Action:Mechanism:

 R. purshiana is a mild cathartic laxative primarily used in the treatment of chronic constipation. Cascara also has tonic and stomachic properties.In the control of habitual constipation it "not only acts as a laxative but restores natural tone to the colon.Cascara is recommended for piles as it forms a soft non-irritating stool and is also suggested as a useful laxative for hemorrhoidal conditions.Cascara is indicated as the cathartic of choice in the elderly and delicate and is non-irritating. The use of Cascara has "little tendency to produce secondary constipation.

 The action of Cascara Sagrada is primarily due to stimulation of increased colonic peristalsis. Peristalsis is stimulated through the autonomic nervous system rather than through the local irritative mechanism as is sometimes proposed. The active principles are absorbed through the small intestine, enter the systemic circulation, and stimulate the Auerbach plexus thereby exciting peristalsis.Cascara is mild in action and generally doesn`t cause griping. It is considered the least griping of the emodin cathartics.

 How Cascara Sagrada Can Help You: Used for centuries because of its natural cleansing properties.Gentle overnight relief from constipation.the finest quality cascara bark -aged for at least one year.

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Reference:

citations1.Cascara is an official herb in many countries for relieving chronic constipation.

last edit date:3rd,July.2009.