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Dietary supplement

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by TerraVita

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

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor is a dietary supplement by TerraVita 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 Bark Glycerite Liquid Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita

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.

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor contains one active ingredient: a glycerite liquid extract of cascara sagrada bark. This is a stimulant laxative—it works by prompting your bowel to contract and move stool along.

The product also contains glycerin and chocolate flavor as inactive ingredients that give it its form and taste.

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: constipation and bowel preparation.
  • 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 data shows cascara sagrada is possibly ineffective for bowel preparation. For constipation itself, the evidence isn't strong enough to establish whether it works—we hold insufficient reliable evidence to rate it.

This means short-term relief may happen in some people, but we can't reliably predict it from the research available.

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 correctly. The most common side effect is mild belly discomfort and cramps.

The real concern is long-term use: regular use can lead to loss of protein in your urine, blood in your urine, and wasting (cachexia), where your body loses muscle and weight. Fresh or poorly aged bark can also cause severe vomiting.

Cascara sagrada is not recommended during pregnancy because stimulant laxatives carry real risks. While nursing, it's best avoided because active compounds may pass into breast milk; there isn't enough safety data to know the risk level for your baby.

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 us before taking this if you use blood thinners like warfarin, water pills (diuretics), steroid medications, digoxin, or any other stimulant laxatives. These Moderate-severity interactions can alter how your medications work or increase serious risks like bleeding or dangerously low potassium.

Also mention any other medications you take, since cascara sagrada may affect how some are processed in your body.

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 works best for short-term constipation relief only—not for bowel prep, and not as an everyday laxative. If you take blood thinners, water pills, steroids, digoxin, or other stimulant laxatives, talk to your pharmacist before using this.

It's not for pregnancy or while nursing. Chat with us about whether short-term use is right for you.

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 13, 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 Bark Chocolate Flavor, straight from the product label.

Brand TerraVita
Barcode (UPC) 064435222253
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 281797
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita, 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:
25 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
40 Drop(s)
Servings per container
227
UPC/BARCODE
064435222253
IngredientAmount% DV
Cascara Sagrada Bark Glycerite Liquid Extract0.13 mL--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Chocolate flavor

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2018 TerraVita - Distributed by ZooScape LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Formula

Glycerite liquid extract (1:5) Chocolate flavored

Formulation

Alcohol free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 25-40 drops of extract in a small amount of warm water 3-4 times daily. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Keep away from children.

Do not use if safety seal around cap is broken or missing.

See for yourself

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita

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

Serving size25 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container227 Amounts shown are per serving.

0.13 mL 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 Bark Glycerite Liquid Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Chocolate flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor?

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 Bark Chocolate Flavor 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 Sagrada Bark Glycerite Liquid Extract6 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 Bark Chocolate Flavor, from the product label.

TerraVita

See all TerraVita products
Name
ZooScape LLC
Phone Number
844-449-0444
Web Address
www.ZooScape.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita: Common Questions

Does Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor by TerraVita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor 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 Bark Chocolate Flavor 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 use this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Stimulant laxatives like cascara sagrada are not recommended during pregnancy. If you're nursing, it's best to avoid it because active compounds may pass into your breast milk and we don't have enough safety data. Talk to your doctor or us for personalized advice.
What side effects should I expect?
Most people get mild belly discomfort and cramps. If you use it long-term, you risk more serious problems like protein or blood in your urine and weight loss. Fresh or improperly prepared cascara can cause severe vomiting.
Is this good for short-term constipation or long-term use?
Short-term only. The safety data warns against long-term use, which can damage your kidneys and cause other complications. If constipation is chronic, work with us or your doctor to find a better solution.
Does this actually work for constipation?
The evidence isn't solid enough to say reliably. Some people may get relief, but research doesn't firmly establish how well it works. For bowel prep before medical procedures, it's actually rated possibly ineffective.
What are the inactive ingredients?
Glycerin and chocolate flavor. These are inactive excipients that give the liquid form and taste—they're not active ingredients in the laxative effect.

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

Not sure if Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor 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 Bark Chocolate Flavor label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cascara Sagrada Bark Chocolate Flavor'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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