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Dietary supplement

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Wachters'

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) 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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus) is a dietary supplement by Wachters' with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for body and breath odor reduction, wound healing (topical), detoxification.Based on those ingredients, 929 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized Extract, Chlorophyll. 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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters'

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters' — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters'

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (300 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 3 active ingredients. Chlorophyll is a plant pigment; the facts don't specify what it's being used for here, though it's been studied for wound healing and skin conditions.

Cascara sagrada bark standardized extract is a stimulant laxative derived from the buckthorn plant — its main job is to promote bowel movements. The product also includes a proprietary blend of sea vegetation, whose specific components aren't disclosed.

There are no inactive ingredients (fillers or binders) listed.

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: stimulation of large intestine and bowel tone.
  • We looked for evidence on: Bowel preparation, Colostomy odor, Constipation, laxation, digestive regularity.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cascara Sagrada is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Bowel preparation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Chlorophyll is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Colostomy odor, Constipation.
  • Also on file: Cascara Sagrada is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation.

For cascara sagrada, the evidence on constipation relief isn't established well enough in the data we hold to rate it — we'd need more reliable research. For bowel prep before a procedure, the data suggests it's possibly ineffective.

Chlorophyll's effectiveness for wound healing, skin cancer prevention, herpes, shingles, and pancreatitis all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate. The sea vegetation blend's effectiveness isn't on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Chlorophyll 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Chlorophyll is generally well tolerated in short-term use, though high-quality safety data are limited. The most common side effect is photosensitization (increased sun sensitivity); in rare cases, people taking chlorophyll orally have developed pseudoporphyria — blisters that form easily on the hands.

Cascara sagrada is well tolerated when used short-term and appropriately, but long-term use carries real risks: it can cause mild belly cramping, and with extended use, it may lead to low potassium, protein loss in urine (albuminuria), blood in urine (hematuria), and wasting (cachexia). The safety data advises against chlorophyll during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Cascara sagrada is not recommended during pregnancy; while nursing, it's rated possibly unsafe because active compounds may pass into breast milk.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Chlorophyll 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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Chlorophyll, 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: 930 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, check with your pharmacist if you're on photosensitizing drugs (drugs that make skin sun-sensitive), corticosteroids, water pills (diuretics), blood thinners like warfarin, the heart medication digoxin, methotrexate, other stimulant laxatives, or any medications your liver breaks down via the CYP3A4 pathway. These are the main drug types with documented interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're considering this product for short-term constipation relief, talk to your pharmacist first — cascara sagrada has several medication interactions you'll need to check, and long-term use isn't safe. If you take corticosteroids, water pills, digoxin, warfarin, methotrexate, or photosensitizing medications, you should definitely check with your pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? This product isn't recommended.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2013.

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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus), straight from the product label.

Brand Wachters'
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21613
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters', 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
90
IngredientAmount% DV
Chlorophyll0 NP--
Proprietary Blend300 mg--
Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized Extract0 NP--
Wachters' Exclusive Blend of Sea Vegetation(R)0 NP--

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

Cascara Sagrada Extract is an exclusive scientific formulation consisting of a standardized extract of aged Cascara Sagrada Bark. This has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine to aid in stimulation of the large intestine and tone the muscles of the digestive system.*

No heat, moisture or chemicals are used in preparation of Cascara Sagrada Extract.

ORGANIC SEA PRODUCTS

Made in U.S.A

Seals/Symbols

Since 1932 *W* Borne From The Sea

Brand IP Statement(s)

Herb-A-Sea(TM)

“Wachters’ Exclusive Blend of Sea Vegetation”(R) is a registered trademark of Wachters’ Organic Sea Products and is an exclusive combination of multi-marine plant sources.

This, like all of our products, contains the Wachters' Exclusive Blend of Sea Vegetation(R), a unique combination comprising up to 15 different species of the highest quality sea vegetation from around the world, which serves as a synergistic activator of the other ingredients in this product thereby enhancing their effectiveness.

Formulation

Wachters' Organic Sea Products' dietary supplements contain no preservatives, yeast, artificial colorings, artificial flavorings, sugar, starch or animal products.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

THIS PRODUCT WAS SEALED FOR YOUR PROTECTION. DO NOT USE IF SEAL HAS BEEN TAMPERED WITH.

NOTICE: This product contains cascara sagrada root. Read and follow directions carefully. 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. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

This product is intended for occasional use and is not intended to treat chronic constipation.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

* This Statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This Product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended Dosage: As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 tablets of Cascara Sagrada Extract with a glass of water or juice. For optimum results, use this product with other Wachters’ supplements.

General

Code #4230

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

See for yourself

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters' label

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

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) 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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters'

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Proprietary Blend

300 mg per serving
Interaction report

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters' Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus)?

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
929Drugs
397 Moderate 532 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized Extract 745
Chlorophyll 337

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) interact with 929 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 3 ingredients in Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized Extract Chlorophyll

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized 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
Cascara Sagrada Bark Standardized Extract full monograph & interactions

Chlorophyll2 drug types · 337 drugs

Methotrexate (Trexall, Others)

Theoretically, chlorophyll may reduce the clearance of methotrexate.
In one case report, a 54-year-old male developed delayed clearance of intravenous high-dose methotrexate with concomitant use of chlorophyll. When chlorophyll was stopped 2 days prior to methotrexate treatment, methotrexate clearance was unaffected.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of chlorophyll with photosensitizing drugs may have additive effects.
Chlorophyll has been reported to cause photosensitization. In two case reports, pseudoporphyria developed after oral intake of chlorophyll. Theoretically, concomitant use with other photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate this effect.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Chlorophyll full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus), from the product label.

Wachters'

See all Wachters' products
Name
Wachters' Organic Sea Products
Street Address
550 Sylvan Street
City
Daly City
State
CA
ZipCode
94014
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters': Common Questions

Does Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) by Wachters' interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) has a known interaction with 929 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus) contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
What exactly does cascara sagrada do?
It's a stimulant laxative — it makes your bowels move to help relieve constipation. It's meant for short-term use, not long-term.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
No. Stimulant laxatives like cascara are not recommended during pregnancy, and chlorophyll isn't recommended either — there isn't enough reliable safety information. Talk with your doctor about safer options.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
It's best not to. Cascara sagrada is rated possibly unsafe while nursing because active compounds may pass into breast milk. Chlorophyll also has insufficient safety data during breastfeeding, so check with your doctor for alternatives.
What are the most common side effects?
Cascara may cause mild belly discomfort and cramping. Chlorophyll's main side effect is photosensitization — increased sensitivity to sunlight. Rare but serious: chlorophyll can trigger pseudoporphyria (painful blisters), especially on the hands.
Is this safe to take long-term?
No. Cascara sagrada isn't recommended for long-term use — it can lead to low potassium, protein or blood in your urine, and muscle wasting. It's designed for short-term constipation relief only.
Why should I avoid the sun when taking this?
Chlorophyll in this product can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitization). Long sun exposure could worsen that effect or, rarely, trigger blistering similar to pseudoporphyria.

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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus) label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cascara Sagrada Extract (Rhammus purshianus)’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Chlorophyll

Interacts with 337 drugs

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants and algae, and supplements often use a stable form called chlorophyllin. It is most studied for reducing body and fecal odor and as a topical...

Read the full Chlorophyll monograph → 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 Extract (Rhammus purshianus)'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 14 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.

Chlorophyll 5 references
  1. Mathews-Roth MM. Carotenoids in erythropoietic protoporphyria and other photosensitivity diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1993; 691:127-38. PubMed
  2. Belen'kii, G. B. and Krikun, B. L. [Treatment of herpes simplex and herpes zoster by chlorophyll preparations]. Sov.Med. 1971;34(1):151-152.
  3. Brooks SL, Sanders J, Seymour JF, Mellor JD. A case of delayed methotrexate clearance following administration of a complementary medication containing chlorophyll. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2014 Jun;20(3):225-8. PubMed
  4. Rossi E, Borchard K, Cole JM. Pseudoporphyria following self-medication with chlorophyll. Australas J Dermatol. 2015 Feb;56(1):47-8. PubMed
  5. Zhao CY, Frew JW, Muhaidat J, et al. Chlorophyll-induced pseudoporphyria with ongoing photosensitivity after cessation - a case series of four patients. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016;30(7):1239-42. PubMed

See these in context on the Chlorophyll monograph →

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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