Cascara Sagrada herb - Does this herbal root product use lead to weight loss?

The dried cascara sagrada bark is used as a laxative. The cascara sagrada tree is cultivated in North America and Kenya. The cascara sagrada bark is aged for a year so that the active principles become milder, as freshly dried bark produces too strong a laxative for safe use. Cascara sagrada herb also contains a compound that induces vomiting. Cascara consists of the dried bark of Rhamnus Purshiana (Fam. Rhamnaceae), a small tree of Northern California.

Cascara sagrada herb and weight loss
Cascara sagrada herb is a common ingredient used in weight loss products. One of the few herbs approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA, cascara sagrada is a strong stimulant laxative. We don't think a laxative is a good way to lose weight.
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Avaiability
Cascara sagrada herb is available in capsules, extracts, and as dried bark.

Nature's Way Cascara Sagrada herb
Indications: For relief of occasional constipation (irregularity). Cascara sagrada herb in many cases produces a bowel movement in 6 to 12 hours.

Directions: Adults and children 12 years of age and over. Take 1 or 2 cascara sagrada herb capsules once a day at bedtime with a full glass of water. Children 2 to under 12 years of age. Take 1 cascara sagrada capsule once a day at bedtime with a full glass of water. Children under 2 years of age: Consult a doctor. To avoid cascara sagrada herb side effects, do not use longer than one week without taking a break.

Active ingredient: 425 mg Cascara Sagrada herb bark (Rhamnus purshiana)

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Short term side effects of Cascara Sagrada herb
Cascara sagrada herb does not have significant side effects as long as it is not used for more than a week or two at a time without a break. It is best to avoid cascara sagrada herb if you have a chronic intestinal condition such as ulcerative colitis, or diverticular disease.

Long term cascara sagrada herb side effects
When cascara sagrada herb or other anthraquinone containing plants are used for prolonged periods, potentially serious side effects can occur. These cascara sagrada side effects may include cramping in the abdomen and loss of body fluids. Dark pigmentation in the colon can occur and this is called melanosis coli.
   Misuse of this cascara sagrada herb has caused problems with the body's minerals (such as potassium, sodium). This herb should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cascara sagrada herb may interact with medications such as Lanoxin and diuretics (water pills, used to treat hypertension and other health problems).