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Dietary supplement

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Best Naturals

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg is a dietary supplement by Best Naturals with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, bowel cleansing before procedures, hemorrhoids.Based on those ingredients, 745 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cascara Sagrada. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: cascara sagrada, a plant-based stimulant laxative at 450 mg per capsule. The capsule also holds inactive ingredients—silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate—which are common binders and flow agents.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Cascara Sagrada's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mild laxative effect.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Bowel preparation.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cascara Sagrada is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Bowel preparation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cascara Sagrada is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation.

Cascara sagrada is rated possibly ineffective for bowel preparation. For constipation, the evidence we have isn't strong enough to say whether it works or doesn't.

It may help with short-term constipation, but the data doesn't clearly establish how reliable that is.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cascara Sagrada

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Cascara sagrada is generally well tolerated when you use it short-term and as directed. The most common side effects are mild abdominal discomfort and cramps.

Long-term use carries real risks: it can lead to kidney damage (shown by protein and blood in urine), severe weight loss, and in rare cases liver damage or violent vomiting if the bark hasn't been aged properly. During pregnancy, stimulant laxatives like cascara are generally not recommended.

While breastfeeding, cascara is rated possibly unsafe because its active compounds may pass into breast milk; talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cascara Sagrada

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Cascara Sagrada.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 746 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you take corticosteroids, diuretics (water pills), digoxin, warfarin, other stimulant laxatives, or medications processed through your liver's CYP3A4 pathway. Low potassium and bleeding are the biggest concerns.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cascara sagrada may help with short-term constipation, but it's not a long-term solution and carries real risks—especially if you take heart, blood thinner, or diuretic medications. If you have kidney disease, heart problems, or low potassium, talk with your pharmacist before using it.

Check your exact medications with the tool below.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 21, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cascara Sagrada 450 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Best Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 817716010625
Net contents 250 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 21, 2022
DSLD ID 269424
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
125
UPC/BARCODE
817716010625
IngredientAmount% DV
Cascara Sagrada900 mg--

Other ingredients: Capsule, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Cascara Sagrada also known as sacred bark was first introduced to Spanish explorers during the 16th century by North American Indians. As an herbal ingredient, Cascara Sagrada has a mild laxative effect due to the natural constituents that induce contractions in the large intestines. Certain research publications indicate that Cascara Sagrada may help support the following: Supports digestive and colon health. Supports regular bowel movements.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Caution: For adults only, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur. Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Cascara Sagrada may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Storage

Keep in cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Product

Formulation

Premium formula

3rd party lab tested

No artificial color, flavor or sweetener, no preservatives, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no corn, no soy, no egg, no lactose, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast, no fish. Sodium free.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take two (2) capsules one to two times daily, with water or juice on an empty stomach. Consider taking this product in combination with Best Naturals Psyllium Husk and Aloe Vera.

General Statements

For additional information call: 1-877-659-6004

See for yourself

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container125 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cascara Sagrada

Interacts with
745 drugs
900 mg per serving

Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative made from the aged bark of a Pacific Northwest tree, used mainly for short-term relief of constipation. Becaus...

Cascara Sagrada monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Capsule, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cascara Sagrada 450 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
745Drugs
122 Moderate 623 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cascara Sagrada 450 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Cascara Sagrada6 drug types · 745 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might cause hypokalemia, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects, and long-term use has been associated with hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might have additive adverse effects when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects and might compound fluid and electrolyte losses when taken with stimulant laxatives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Cascara sagrada has stimulant laxative effects. In some people, cascara sagrada can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, cascara sagrada might decrease the effects of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research suggests that cascara sagrada can induce CYP3A4 enzymes, albeit to a much lower degree than rifampin, a known CYP3A4 inducer.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cascara Sagrada 450 mg, from the product label.

Best Naturals

See all Best Naturals products
Name
Best Naturals
Street Address
PO Box 394
City
Kenilworth
State
NJ
ZipCode
07033
Phone Number
1-877-659-6004
Web Address
www.shopbestnaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals: Common Questions

Does Cascara Sagrada 450 mg by Best Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cascara Sagrada 450 mg has a known interaction with 745 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cascara Sagrada 450 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take cascara sagrada long-term?
It's not meant for long-term use. Long-term use can damage your kidneys and cause severe weight loss. Use it only short-term for constipation, and if constipation persists, talk with your doctor about other options.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild abdominal discomfort and cramps are the most common. Serious side effects are rare but include liver damage and violent vomiting if the bark isn't properly aged.
Is cascara safe during pregnancy?
No. Stimulant laxatives like cascara are generally not recommended during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about safer ways to manage constipation.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
Cascara is rated possibly unsafe while nursing because its active compounds may pass into breast milk. It's best avoided. Ask your pharmacist about safer alternatives.
Does cascara sagrada actually work for constipation?
The evidence isn't strong enough to say for certain whether it works. It may help short-term constipation, but the data doesn't clearly establish how reliable it is.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cascara Sagrada 450 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 9 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cascara Sagrada 9 references
  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  3. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  4. Covington TR, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 11th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
  5. Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5. PubMed
  6. Nadir A, Reddy D, Van Thiel DH. Cascara-sagrada induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:3634-7. PubMed
  7. Nakasone ES, Tokeshi J. A serendipitous find: a case of cholangiocarcinoma identified incidentally after acute liver injury due to cascara sagrada ingestion. Hawaii J Med Public Health 2015;74(6):200-2.
  8. Cirillo C, Capasso R. Constipation and botanical medicines: an overview. Phytother Res 2015;29(10):1488-93. PubMed
  9. Mazzari ALDA, Lacerda MG, Milton FA, et al. In vitro effects of European and Latin-American medicinal plants in CYP3A4 gene expression, glutathione levels, and P-glycoprotein activity. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:826395. PubMed

See these in context on the Cascara Sagrada monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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