Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Herbal Laxative Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thorne Research

Herbal Laxative label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Herbal Laxative 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: Major

Herbal Laxative is a dietary supplement by Thorne Research with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, bowel cleansing before procedures, hemorrhoids.Based on those ingredients, 1,102 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Cascara Sagrada extract, Chinese Rhubarb extract, Senna extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research

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 11, 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 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains five active ingredients: Cascara Sagrada extract, Frangula extract, Blue Flag, Chinese Rhubarb extract, and Senna extract. All of them are stimulant laxatives — herbs that work by activating the bowel to produce a bowel movement.

The product also contains three inactive ingredients (hypromellose capsule, leucine, and silicon dioxide), which serve as the capsule and flow agents.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Constipation relief and bowel regularity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Bowel preparation, Occasional irregularity, Digestive support.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Senna is rated "Likely Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Senna is rated "Possibly Effective" for Bowel preparation.
  • Also on file: Alder Buckthorn is rated "Possibly Effective" for Constipation.

The evidence for this product is limited. Senna extract is rated Likely Effective for constipation.

Cascara Sagrada is rated Possibly Ineffective for bowel preparation, and Possibly Effective for pancreatitis and menopausal symptoms — though the latter uses are outside what most people take a laxative for. Chinese Rhubarb is rated Possibly Effective for pancreatitis and menopausal symptoms, and Possibly Effective for bowel preparation.

For constipation itself, the data we hold rates Cascara Sagrada, Chinese Rhubarb, and Senna as having Insufficient Reliable Evidence — meaning the evidence isn't strong enough to confirm they work for that purpose.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Cascara Sagrada Alder Buckthorn Blue Flag Rhubarb Senna

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 5 of the 5 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 5 of 5.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 5 of 5.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

When used short-term and at standard doses, these ingredients are generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild abdominal cramping, discomfort, and diarrhea.

However, long-term use carries real risks. Cascara Sagrada, Chinese Rhubarb, and Senna can all cause electrolyte loss (especially potassium), and with chronic use may lead to kidney damage, muscle loss (cachexia), or — rarely — liver damage.

Blue Flag can cause nausea, vomiting, and irritation of the throat when fresh. During pregnancy, Cascara Sagrada, Blue Flag, and Chinese Rhubarb should be avoided due to potential toxicity and lack of safety data.

Senna is rated Possibly Safe in pregnancy, but only under medical guidance. For breastfeeding, avoid Cascara Sagrada and Blue Flag — active compounds may pass into breast milk.

Senna is rated Possibly Safe while nursing. Chinese Rhubarb should also be avoided while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Cascara Sagrada Alder Buckthorn Blue Flag Rhubarb Senna

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 5 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Rhubarb, Blue Flag, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Alder Buckthorn.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 1,103 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 take digoxin (Lanoxin) — Blue Flag poses a Major interaction risk. Also double-check if you take warfarin (Coumadin) or other blood thinners, water pills (diuretics), corticosteroids, kidney-damaging or liver-damaging medications, cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), or birth control pills (estrogens).

These all carry Moderate interactions with one or more ingredients in this blend.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a stimulant laxative blend best used short-term for occasional constipation, not as a daily routine. If you take heart medications (digoxin, warfarin), water pills, corticosteroids, birth control, or any prescription drug, check your medications below before starting.

Anyone with kidney or liver disease, or planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, should talk with their pharmacist first.

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

Assessment coverage: 5 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

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 Herbal Laxative, straight from the product label.

Brand Thorne Research
Barcode (UPC) 693749768029
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status Off market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 16088
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), No Allergies
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 Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
693749768029
IngredientAmount% DV
Cascara Sagrada extract125 mg--
Frangula extract15 mg--
Blue Flag50 mg--
Chinese Rhubarb extract25 mg--
Senna extract10 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from Cellulose) Capsule, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule daily as needed or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Precautions

Tamper Evident: Use only if bottle is sealed.

WARNING: If pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, do not use this product.

All of Herbal Laxative’s ingredients have laxative-like properties. Do not use if you are having abdominal pain or diarrhea. Discontinue use if you begin to experience diarrhea or watery stools. Do not exceed the Suggested Use. Not for long-term use.

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Frangula purshiana standardized to Cascarosides 80%. Rheum PE 5:1. Frangula alnus PE 4:1. Senna standardized to Sennosides 20%.

Seals/Symbols

(image)(R)HYPOALLERGENIC

General

SF768 LSF76808

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

See for yourself

Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research label

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

Herbal Laxative 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 Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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.

Cascara Sagrada extract

Interacts with
745 drugs
125 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 extract monograph & interactions

Frangula extract

Interacts with
122 drugs
15 mg per serving

Alder buckthorn bark is a stimulant laxative traditionally used for short-term relief of constipation. It can work, but it carries real risks with pro...

Frangula extract monograph & interactions

Blue Flag

Interacts with
78 drugs
50 mg per serving

Blue Flag is a flowering plant whose root has been used in traditional and herbal medicine for skin and digestive complaints, but there is very little...

Blue Flag monograph & interactions

Chinese Rhubarb extract

Interacts with
658 drugs
25 mg per serving

Rhubarb root has a long history of use as a laxative and in traditional Chinese medicine, and its edible stalks are a common food. Most medicinal clai...

Chinese Rhubarb extract monograph & interactions

Senna extract

Interacts with
140 drugs
10 mg per serving

Senna is a plant-based stimulant laxative that is widely used and generally effective for short-term relief of constipation. It is best used occasiona...

Senna extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from Cellulose) Capsule, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Herbal Laxative?

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
1,102Drugs
1 Major 680 Moderate 421 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Cascara Sagrada extract 745
Chinese Rhubarb extract 658
Senna extract 140
Frangula extract 122
Blue Flag 78

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Herbal Laxative interact with 1,102 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 5 ingredients in Herbal Laxative interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Cascara Sagrada extract Chinese Rhubarb extract Senna extract Frangula extract Blue Flag

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Herbal Laxative 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 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 extract full monograph & interactions

Chinese Rhubarb extract8 drug types · 658 drugs

Corticosteroids

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with corticosteroids.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might compound corticosteroid-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking rhubarb with cyclosporine might reduce cyclosporine levels.
Animal research shows that co-administration of rhubarb decoction 0.25 or 1 gram/kg with cyclosporine 2.5 mg/kg, decreases cyclosporine maximum plasma concentration and overall exposure levels when compared with taking cyclosporine alone. The authors theorize that rhubarb might reduce cyclosporine bioavailability by inducing of P-glycoprotein and/or cytochrome P450 3A4. However, since rhubarb was administered as a single oral dose and enzyme induction usually occurs after multiple doses, it is possible that cyclosporine absorption was actually reduced via rhubarb's stimulant laxative effects. Also, the composition of the rhubarb decoction was not described.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, overuse of rhubarb might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, frequent and high doses of rhubarb might increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Overuse of rhubarb might cause potassium depletion and compound diuretic-induced potassium loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of rhubarb with potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Some animal research suggests that anthraquinones in rhubarb might have hepatotoxic effects. Also, rhubarb use has been linked to at least 24 cases of liver injury, although details on the dose of rhubarb and duration of use in these cases is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nephrotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, long-term use of anthraquinones from rhubarb might increase the risk of nephrotoxicity when used with nephrotoxic drugs.
The anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb have been shown to induce nephrotoxicity in animal research. Additionally, in a case report, a 23-year old female presented with kidney failure after taking 6 tablets of a proprietary slimming agent (found to contain the anthraquinones emodin and aloe-emodin from rhubarb) daily for 6 weeks and then adding diclofenac 25 mg 4 times daily for 2 days. The authors postulate that the anthraquinone constituents of rhubarb contributed to the renal dysfunction, and the addition of diclofenac, a nephrotoxic drug, led to renal failure. Until more is known, advise patients to avoid taking rhubarb if they are taking other potentially nephrotoxic drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, rhubarb might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, excessive use of rhubarb might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.
Rhubarb has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of rhubarb.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Chinese Rhubarb extract full monograph & interactions

Senna extract5 drug types · 140 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk of adverse effects when taken with digoxin.
Overuse/abuse of senna increases the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, due to potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with diuretic drugs.
Overuse of senna might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss and increase the risk for hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking senna may interfere with the absorption of exogenous estrogens.
Some preliminary clinical evidence suggests that senna reduces the absorption of estradiol and decreases serum concentrations of estrone and estrone sulfate by decreasing intestinal transit time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, senna might increase the risk for fluid and electrolyte loss when taken with other stimulant laxatives.
Senna is a stimulant laxative; concomitant use with other stimulant laxatives might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, excessive use of senna might increase the effects of warfarin.
Senna has stimulant laxative effects and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. In one case report, excessive use of senna for 3 weeks resulted in diarrhea, bloody stools, and an elevated INR of 11.9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Senna extract full monograph & interactions

Frangula extract5 drug types · 122 drugs

Corticosteroids

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, concomitant use of corticosteroids with alder buckthorn can increase the risk of potassium depletion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, potassium depletion associated with alder buckthorn might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Theoretically, overuse of alder buckthorn might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking alder buckthorn along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia.
Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDIURIL, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. Concomitant use with stimulant laxative medications might compound fluid and electrolyte loss.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Alder buckthorn has stimulant laxative effects. In some people alder buckthorn can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of alder buckthorn.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Frangula extract full monograph & interactions

Blue Flag3 drug types · 78 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, overuse or abuse of this product increases the risk of adverse effects from cardiac glycoside drugs.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Overuse of blue flag might compound diuretic-induced potassium loss. There is some concern that people taking blue flag along with potassium depleting diuretics might have an increased risk for hypokalemia. Initiation of potassium supplementation or an increase in potassium supplement dose may be necessary for some patients. Some diuretics that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Blue flag has stimulant laxative effects. In some people blue flag can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin, increase international normalized ratio (INR), and increase the risk of bleeding. Advise patients who take warfarin not to take excessive amounts of blue flag.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Blue Flag full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Herbal Laxative, from the product label.

Thorne Research

See all Thorne Research products
Name
Thorne Research, Inc.
Street Address
P.O. Box 25
City
Dover
State
Idaho
ZipCode
83825
Phone Number
1-800-228-1966
Web Address
www.thorne.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research: Common Questions

Does Herbal Laxative by Thorne Research interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Herbal Laxative has a known interaction with 1,102 medications, including 1 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Herbal Laxative contains 5 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Cascara Sagrada, Blue Flag, and Chinese Rhubarb should be avoided during pregnancy. Senna is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but only under a doctor's guidance. For breastfeeding, avoid Cascara Sagrada and Blue Flag — active compounds pass into breast milk. Senna is rated possibly safe while nursing, but check with your pharmacist for personalized advice. There isn't enough data on Frangula during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
How long can I take this product?
These are stimulant laxatives meant for short-term use only, not daily long-term use. Long-term use can cause potassium loss, kidney damage, and electrolyte imbalances. If you need a laxative regularly, talk to your doctor about safer options and how long it's okay to take this one.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild abdominal cramping and discomfort are the most common. Diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and fecal urgency can also happen. If you have severe vomiting, skin rashes, or signs of liver problems, stop and contact your pharmacist or doctor.
Is this product safe for daily use?
No. Stimulant laxatives like these are not recommended for daily long-term use without medical advice. They're designed for occasional, short-term relief. Daily use increases the risk of electrolyte loss, dependency, and organ damage.
Does this work for constipation?
Senna is rated Likely Effective for constipation. The evidence for Cascara Sagrada and Chinese Rhubarb for constipation is not strong enough to confirm they work. This product may help short-term, but it's not a solution for chronic constipation — see your doctor for that.
What if I take birth control pills with this?
Senna may interfere with how your body absorbs estrogen from birth control pills, potentially reducing their effectiveness. If you take birth control, ask your pharmacist whether you need to space doses apart or use backup contraception.

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.

Herbal Laxative label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Herbal Laxative’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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Alder Buckthorn

Interacts with 122 drugs

Alder buckthorn bark is a stimulant laxative traditionally used for short-term relief of constipation. It can work, but it carries real risks with prolonged use, including bowel damage, and...

Read the full Alder Buckthorn monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Blue Flag

Interacts with 78 drugs

Blue Flag is a flowering plant whose root has been used in traditional and herbal medicine for skin and digestive complaints, but there is very little modern scientific evidence to support t...

Read the full Blue Flag monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rhubarb

Interacts with 658 drugs

Rhubarb root has a long history of use as a laxative and in traditional Chinese medicine, and its edible stalks are a common food. Most medicinal claims are backed by limited or low-quality...

Read the full Rhubarb monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Senna

Interacts with 140 drugs

Senna is a plant-based stimulant laxative that is widely used and generally effective for short-term relief of constipation. It is best used occasionally and for only a few days at a time, s...

Read the full Senna monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Herbal Laxative'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 84 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 →

Alder Buckthorn 10 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. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
  3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  4. Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
  5. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
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See these in context on the Alder Buckthorn monograph →

Blue Flag 3 references
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See these in context on the Blue Flag monograph →

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Senna 42 references
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See these in context on the Senna monograph →

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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.

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