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Dietary supplement

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by GM Germa

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cascara Sagrada 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg is a dietary supplement by GM Germa 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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 bark, at 500 mg per softgel. Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative — a plant-based compound that speeds up bowel contractions to move stool through your intestines.

It comes in a softgel capsule filled with inactive ingredients including magnesium stearate, cellulose, and gelatin.

Does it work?

Leans against
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
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: natural fiber for bowel movements.
  • 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.

The evidence for cascara sagrada's usefulness is limited. For short-term constipation relief, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works.

For bowel prep before medical procedures, it's rated possibly ineffective. The bottom line: we don't have strong data showing this ingredient delivers what the label promises.

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.

When used short-term as directed, cascara sagrada is generally well tolerated, though mild belly discomfort and cramps are common. The safety picture changes with long-term use — cascara can lead to low potassium (hypokalemia), protein in your urine (albuminuria), blood in your urine (hematuria), and wasting (cachexia).

Fresh or improperly aged bark can cause severe vomiting. The safety data advises against cascara during pregnancy.

While nursing, the active compounds may pass into breast milk, so it's best avoided — talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you're breastfeeding and need a laxative.

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.

Check with your pharmacist if you take blood thinners like warfarin, water pills (diuretics), steroid medications, heart medications like digoxin, other stimulant laxatives, or any drug broken down by your liver — especially those metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme. All of these interactions are rated Moderate to Minor, and several can affect how much potassium your body holds onto.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cascara sagrada may help with short-term constipation, but the evidence is weak and long-term use carries real risks. If you take blood thinners, water pills, heart medications, or steroid medications, this product is not a good fit without a doctor's go-ahead.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting — it has a lot of potential interactions to sort through.

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 Dec 22, 2019.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand GM Germa
Barcode (UPC) 790933306019
Net contents 100 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 210399
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 500 mg by GM Germa, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
790933306019
IngredientAmount% DV
Cascara Sagrada500 mg--

Other ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Cellulose, Gelatin

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.
Formulation

Natural product, free of Sugar, Sodium, Starch, and Artificial Flavors.

A natural and rich fiber diet to obtain bowel movements.

Helps Promote Occasional Irregularity.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Use as a Dietary Supplement. Take 1 capsule with your last meal of the day with a glass of water.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use If pregnant or nursing, ask a physician before use If taking any medication or have any medical condition

Warning: Do not use If allergic to any of the ingredients

Warning: Do not use If any adverse reactions occur.

Not intended for use by person under the age of 18.

In case of accidental overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately. Do not use if either seal is torn, broken or missing

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees-86 degrees F).

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

General Statements

Please Recycle

Questions or Comments: 1-305-278-0033, M-F, 9-5 Eastern

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Formula

Rhamnus Purshiana Bark

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa label

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

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Cascara Sagrada

Interacts with
745 drugs
500 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: Magnesium Stearate, Cellulose, Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cascara Sagrada 500 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

Cascara Sagrada 745

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cascara Sagrada 500 mg interact with 745 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Cascara Sagrada 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cascara Sagrada

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cascara Sagrada 500 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
Cascara Sagrada full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cascara Sagrada 500 mg, from the product label.

GM Germa

See all GM Germa products
Name
Germa Products LLC
Street Address
12300 SW 132 Court
City
Miami
State
FL
ZipCode
33186
Phone Number
1-305-278-0033
Web Address
www.germa.net
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa: Common Questions

Does Cascara Sagrada 500 mg by GM Germa interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cascara Sagrada 500 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 500 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 if I'm pregnant?
No. Stimulant laxatives like cascara are not recommended during pregnancy according to the safety data. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safer options for constipation relief while pregnant.
Is cascara sagrada safe while breastfeeding?
The active compounds can pass into breast milk, so it's best avoided while nursing. If you need help with constipation and are breastfeeding, ask your pharmacist about safer alternatives.
What side effects should I expect?
Mild belly discomfort and cramps are the most common side effects when used short-term. Long-term use can lead to more serious problems like low potassium, protein or blood in your urine, and muscle wasting. Fresh or improperly aged bark can cause severe vomiting.
Does cascara sagrada actually work for constipation?
The evidence isn't strong. For short-term constipation, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works, and for bowel prep it's rated possibly ineffective.
Can I take cascara sagrada with other laxatives?
No. Taking it with other stimulant laxatives can compound losses of fluids and electrolytes and worsen side effects. Stick to one laxative type and ask your pharmacist which is safest for you.
Why should I be careful if I'm on a water pill or heart medication?
Cascara can trigger diarrhea, which makes your body lose potassium faster — the same thing water pills and some heart medications do. Low potassium can cause serious problems with heart rhythm and increase the risk of toxicity from heart drugs like digoxin.

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

Not sure if Cascara Sagrada 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cascara Sagrada 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Cascara Sagrada

Interacts with 745 drugs

Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative made from the aged bark of a Pacific Northwest tree, used mainly for short-term relief of constipation. Because it can cause cramping, dehydration, an...

Read the full Cascara Sagrada monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cascara Sagrada 500 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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