Cascara Sagrada Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 1,995 found this helpful

Frangula purshiana (DC.) J.G.Cooper; Rhamnus purshiana DC.

All parts of Cascara Sagrada are highly toxic, with seeds carrying the highest risk of fatal outcomes

Ingestion leads to severe gastrointestinal distress, while contact causes skin and mucous membrane irritation

Horses are particularly susceptible to life-threatening diarrhea after eating the plant's leaves

FAQ

Is Cascara Sagrada toxic to Humans?

Nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic, diarrhea, skin and mucous membrane irritation; severe life-threatening diarrhea may occur, especially after seed ingestion (High)

Is Cascara Sagrada toxic to Cats?

No confirmed clinical toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and diarrhea if ingested (Moderate)

Is Cascara Sagrada toxic to Dogs?

No confirmed clinical toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and diarrhea if ingested (Moderate)

Is Cascara Sagrada toxic to Horses?

Severe, potentially fatal diarrhea after ingestion of plant leaves, leading to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

High

Nausea, vomiting, intestinal colic, diarrhea, skin and mucous membrane irritation; severe life-threatening diarrhea may occur, especially after seed ingestion

Cats

Moderate

No confirmed clinical toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and diarrhea if ingested

Dogs

Moderate

No confirmed clinical toxicity data available; expected to cause gastrointestinal distress including vomiting and diarrhea if ingested

Horses

High

Severe, potentially fatal diarrhea after ingestion of plant leaves, leading to dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll parts of the plant

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material (seeds, leaves, bark), direct contact with skin or mucous membranes

Toxic CompoundsCyclopeptide alkaloids; Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids; Anthracene derivatives; Anthracene/naphthalene compounds

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Induce vomiting immediately if the exposed person/animal is conscious, not convulsing, and ingested plant material within the last 30 minutes
• Rinse affected skin or eyes with cool running water for 10-15 minutes if exposed to plant sap or tissue
• Collect any remaining plant material to confirm identity for medical/vet staff

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of the plant, especially seeds
• Onset of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or skin/mucous membrane irritation after exposure
• Signs of dehydration including lethargy, dry gums, or reduced urination after exposure

Prevention

• Remove this plant from yards, pastures, and areas accessible to children, pets, and livestock
• Educate foragers to distinguish it from non-toxic edible plants before consuming wild foraged material
• Avoid using unprocessed Cascara Sagrada as a home remedy without approval from a licensed medical provider

Treatment & Prognosis

• Perform decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal administration) as soon as possible after ingestion to reduce toxin absorption
• Provide symptomatic care including intravenous fluid replacement for diarrhea, anti-emetics for vomiting, and pain relief for abdominal cramping
• Monitor electrolyte levels, kidney function, and vital signs closely in severe exposure cases to prevent fatal complications

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameFrangula purshiana (DC.) J.G.Cooper; Rhamnus purshiana DC.

AliasesCascara buckthorn、Bearberry

Toxicity Grade

HumansHigh

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkinMucous membranesKidneysCardiovascular system (from electrolyte imbalance)

Mechanism of Action

• Anthracene derivatives irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, increasing peristalsis and causing severe diarrhea and fluid loss

• Alkaloid compounds contribute to skin and mucous membrane irritation and systemic toxicity

• Seed ingestion leads to extreme gastrointestinal irritation, potentially causing fatal dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Horse: Ingestion of even small amounts of leaves causes severe watery diarrhea, leading to life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalance

Cattle, sheep, and other ruminants: Suspected to develop similar severe gastrointestinal symptoms as horses if the plant is consumed in pasture

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Other Frangula species Frangula spp.

All Frangula species are highly toxic, visually similar in leaf shape, bark texture, and growth habit; distinguished by minor differences in fruit size and flower color

Common buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica

Closely related highly toxic plant with very similar leaf and growth characteristics; can be distinguished by its smaller, glossy black round fruits compared to Cascara Sagrada's larger dark purple berries

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Related Toxic Plants

Common buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

Highly toxic

Alder buckthorn

Frangula alnus

Moderately toxic

Carolina buckthorn

Frangula caroliniana

Highly toxic

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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