What is it used for?
[(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine as a] stimulant laxative [Source note 2].
(Used in Herbal Medicine for the) short-term relief of occasional constipation [Source note 3].
(Used in Herbal Medicine to) promote(s) bowel movement (by direct action on the large intestine) [Source note 4].
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g. Used in Herbal Medicine as a stimulant laxative for short-term relief of occasional constipation).
For multi-ingredient products:
To prevent the product from being represented as a "traditional medicine", any indicated traditional use claim must refer to the specific active ingredient(s) and recognized traditional system of medicine from which the claim originates when 1) both traditional and modern claims are present or 2) when claims originate from multiple systems of traditional medicine (e.g. Cascara is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine as a stimulant laxative).
When ALL of the active ingredients (MIs) in the product are used within the SAME identified system of traditional medicine AND the product makes ONLY traditional claims, listing of MIs in the traditional claim(s) is not required
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adolescents 12 to 17 years and Adults 18 years and older [Source note 5]
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Decoction concentrate, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
0.25 - 3 grams of dried aged bark, per day; and providing at least 0.25 g of dried aged bark per single dose (Mills and Bone 2005, ESCOP 2003; Williamson 2003; WHO 2002; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Bradley 1992).
Methods of preparation: Standardized Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Decoction concentrate, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
10 - 30 milligrams of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (calculated as cascaroside A), per day; and providing at least 10 mg of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (calculated as cascaroside A) per single dose [Source note 6].
How is it used?
Start with 1 dose, 2 to 3 times per week and increase up to once daily if results are not observed [Source note 7].
Take a few hours before or after taking other medications or health products [Source note 8].
Allow at least 6 to 12 hours for laxative effect to occur [Source note 9].
Stimulant laxatives should only be used if occasional constipation cannot be improved by a change of diet or the administration of bulk forming laxatives [Source note 10].
Optional (for products which provide a dosage range)
The optimal dosage is the smallest dose required to produce a soft-formed stool [Source note 11].
How long is it used?
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 7 days [Source note 12].
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have a kidney disorder or a lazy bowel [Source note 13].
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking heart medications, corticosteroids, diuretics, or other health products that may contribute to electrolyte imbalance [Source note 14].
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding [Source note 15].
Do not use if you have inflammatory bowel disease, fever or any undiagnosed gastrointestinal trouble [Source note 16].
Possible side effects
Stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy or diarrhea occurs [Source note 17].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frangula purshiana |
| Frangula purshiana | Aged bark | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2024; Common names: Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Source information: Wichtl 2004; Blumenthal et al. 2000.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Bark must be dried and aged for a minimum of one year or heated and dried to induce artificial aging to allow oxidation of the anthrones. For example, the bark may be heated in hot air at 80-100°C for several hours [Source note 18].
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- May 30, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
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