botanical name(s): Rhamnus catharticus, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus purshiana
synonyms:
» R. cathartica, R. frangula: buckthorn bark, common buckthorn, alder buckthorn, purging buckthorn, waythorn, kreuzdorn, purgierdom, nerprun, espino cerval
» R. purshiana: cascara sagrada, California buckthorn, sacred bark, chittim bark, Amerikanischer faulbaurn
part(s) used: seasoned bark (aged one year) and berries
qualities: dry, cold, bitter
affinities: intestines, liver
actions:
» R. cathartica, R. frangula: laxative, depurative, alterative, diuretic
» R. purshiana: laxative, bitter tonic, nervine, emetic
dosage:
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
therapy: sluggish liver, atonic constipation
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2c, 2d
toxicity: 3; see sennoside toxidrome
» overdose treatment is symptomatic with fluids and electrolytes
» contraindicated in inflammatory bowel disease, ulcer due to the irritation to the mucosa (De Smet)
» contraindicated in intestinal obstruction due to increased peristalsis from anthroquinones (Wichtl, De Smet)
» caution is advised during pregnancy; watch dose and duration; high doses of anthroquinones can may stimulate endometrial activity and cause abortion (Wichtl, De Smet)
» contraindicated in children under age 12 or generally debilitated subjects due to loss of water and electrolytes (De Smet, Brinker, 1995)
» contraindicated in extended use for more than 8-10 days due to loss of water and electrolytes (De Smet) as well as possible damage to intestinal muscle and mesenteric plexi from R. purshnia
» contraindicated in abdominal pain of unknown origin due to possible rupture from contraction of inflamed viscus such as the appendix (De Smet)
» R. purshnia contraindicated in acute diarrhea due to the increased hydration of the stools caused by cascarosides (Brinker, 1995)
» R. purshnia contraindicated during menstruation due to possible stimulation of endometrial activity (De Smet)
» may cause changes in lactation; milk may become ill-flavored and reduced in nutritional quality (Muenscher, p. 19, Wichtl) from anthroquinones partly excreted in milk (De Smet)
» emodin is capable of causing dermatitis (Duke, p. 403)
» avoid recent bark of R. purshnia aged less than 1 year due to its anthrone content leading to gastrointestinal upset (De Smet, Lust)
constituents:
» R. cathartica, R. frangula: anthraquinone glycosides
» R. purshiana: emodin glycosides, tannins, resin
drug interactions:
» overuse or misuse can cause potassium loss leading to increased toxicity of cardiac glycosides such as those in Adonis, Convallaria, Urginea Helleborus, Strophanthus, and Digitalis (Brinker, 1996; Wichtl, De Smet)
» potassium loss may result in hypokalemia when taking diuretics (De Smet)
» reduced absorption of oral drugs due to a decrease in bowel transit time (De Smet)
footnotes
Brinker F. 1995. Botanical Medicine Research Summaries. (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics, vol.11), Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag
Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.
Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.
Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.
Wichtl M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.