Tag: Cascara sagrada

Anthraquinone laxatives, derived from botanical sources, have been used for thousands of years to treat constipation. The laxative effect is triggered after anthraquinone glycosides are broken down by intestinal bacteria in the colon, producing active compounds that stimulate bowel movements. This guide will detail **what laxatives contain anthraquinone** and discuss their proper use and safety considerations.

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final ruling that reclassified cascara sagrada, stating the ingredient was not "generally recognized as safe and effective" for over-the-counter use, effectively banning its sale in OTC laxatives. This decision was based on a lack of crucial safety data from manufacturers, not conclusive evidence of harm.

In May 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule removing cascara sagrada from the over-the-counter (OTC) drug market. This regulatory action prompted questions about the safety of the long-standing herbal remedy and why was Cascara sagrada banned from being sold as an OTC laxative. The decision highlights the rigorous standards required to prove a product is both safe and effective for public consumption, even for natural substances.