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Dietary supplement

Cascara Sagrada Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Oregon's Wild Harvest

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

Cascara Sagrada is a dietary supplement by Oregon's Wild Harvest 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 organic Cascara sagrada. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest

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: organic cascara sagrada. Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative derived from the bark of a buckthorn shrub; it works by triggering bowel muscle contractions to help move stool.

The capsule also contains pullulan, an inactive ingredient used as a binder.

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: Bowel health and digestive regularity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Bowel preparation, Digestive support, Bowel function.
  • 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 is mixed. For bowel preparation (like before a medical procedure), it's rated possibly ineffective.

For constipation itself, we don't hold enough reliable data to rate how well it works, so the evidence is considered insufficient. If you're considering it for short-term constipation relief, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about whether it's the right fit for your situation.

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.

Short-term use at appropriate doses is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is mild belly discomfort and cramping.

Long-term use carries real risks: your body can lose too much potassium, and you may develop protein in your urine or blood in your urine. Rarely, fresh or improperly aged cascara bark can cause severe vomiting, and very long-term use can lead to severe weight loss.

The safety data advises against cascara sagrada during pregnancy. While nursing, active compounds may pass into breast milk, so it's best avoided.

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 you start, double-check with your pharmacist if you take warfarin or other blood thinners (Moderate risk of bleeding), digoxin or other heart medications (Moderate risk of toxicity), water pills or corticosteroids (Moderate risk of dangerously low potassium), other stimulant laxatives (Moderate risk of fluid loss), or any medication broken down by CYP3A4 enzymes (Minor risk of reduced effectiveness).

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 is a stimulant laxative best used short-term and at the right dose—if you're on a blood thinner, heart medication, water pill, or corticosteroid, you need to check with your pharmacist first. Don't use it long-term, and steer clear if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 Mar 22, 2024.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Oregon's Wild Harvest
Barcode (UPC) 706195000442
Net contents 90 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 307240
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Organic, Gluten Free, Dairy 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 by Oregon's Wild Harvest, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
706195000442
IngredientAmount% DV
organic Cascara sagrada350 mg--

Other ingredients: Pullulan

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.
General Statements

Organic to our roots As certified organic farmers since 1994, our regenerative practices heal the land and water and sequester carbon from the atmosphere, while ensuring that pure, potent herbal medicine is available today and for future generations. Peace.

Formulation

Free from: Gluten, dairy and soy allergens.

Made with organic herb

Help to improve bowel function

GF (Gluten free) Verified Non-GMO Product verified non-GMO by SGS.

Certified organic by Oregon Tilth

Precautions

Caution: Keep out of reach of children.

If taking medication consult with a healthcare professional before use. Do not take if pregnant or nursing.

Discontinue use if unusual symptoms occur.

Not for long-term use in excess of eight days. Do not exceed recommended dose.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Oregon's Wild Harvest Herbal Supplement Family Farm since 1994

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Verified Non-GMO

Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As an herbal supplement, take one to two capsules daily as needed, preferably at bedtime, for relief of occasional constipation or as directed by your healthcare professional. Anthraquinone containing substances usually produce a soft to semi-fluid stool 6-12 hours after ingestion. It is best to start with one capsule and increase to two, if needed, to get results. Not for long-term use in excess of eight days. Do not exceed recommended dose.

See for yourself

Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Organic Cascara sagrada

Interacts with
745 drugs
350 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...

Organic Cascara sagrada monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cascara Sagrada?

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 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.

organic 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, from the product label.

Oregon's Wild Harvest

See all Oregon's Wild Harvest products
Name
Oregon's Wild Harvest
City
Redmond
State
OR
ZipCode
97756
Phone Number
800-316-6869
Web Address
oregonswildharvest.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest: Common Questions

Does Cascara Sagrada by Oregon's Wild Harvest interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cascara Sagrada 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 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.
Is cascara sagrada safe to take while I'm pregnant?
No. The safety data advises against stimulant laxatives like cascara during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives if you're dealing with constipation.
Can I take cascara sagrada while breastfeeding?
The active compounds may pass into breast milk, so it's best avoided while nursing. Chat with your pharmacist about safer options.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild belly discomfort and cramping are the most common when you use it short-term and at the right dose. Long-term use can lead to more serious issues like low potassium and protein in your urine, so it's not meant for ongoing use.
How well does cascara sagrada work for constipation?
We don't have enough reliable evidence to say how effective it is for constipation. For bowel preparation before medical procedures, it's rated possibly ineffective. Your pharmacist can help you weigh whether it's right for your situation.
Can I use cascara sagrada long-term?
No. Long-term use carries real risks—your body can lose too much potassium, and you may develop protein or blood in your urine or severe weight loss. It's designed for short-term use only.

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cascara Sagrada'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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