Rhamnus Purshiana (Frangula purshiana) - chittem bark, sacred bark, Bearberry, bear-wood
"CONSTITUENTS: There are present a crystalline, bitter principle and three distinct resinoid bodies, not bitter, which are believed to be derived from chrysophanic acid which is thought to be present in the bark.
PREPARATIONS: Fluid Extract Cascara Sagrada, not miscible with water. Dose: as a stomachic tonic and function restorer, three to ten minims; laxative, five to twenty minims four times a day; as a cathartic, twenty to sixty minims morning and evening. Solid Extract Cascara Sagrada. Dose: as a laxative, one-half to two grains; as a cathartic, three to eight grains. Powdered Extract Cascara Sagrada, produced by evaporating the solid extract at a low temperature and triturated with sugar of milk, same strength as the solid extract. Cascara Cordial with elimination of the bitter principle. Dose: half a dram to a dram and a half.
Therapy: Large doses of the agent produce colic and are seldom needed. In the temporary constipation of pregnancy or in the convalescence of acute disease, doses of from one-fourth to one-half dram in a tonic mixture, preferably of malt extract, taken at the bed hour will be most satisfactory. Often a single dose followed by a glass of cold water on rising will have a salutary effect. This is true of constipation extending over a short period, not necessarily chronic. To produce an immediate effect as a physic, a dram of the fluid extract should be given, and it will probably induce some pain. The agent should not be used in this active form for its immediate effects during the pregnant term, as its irritating influence may be sufficient to produce miscarriage.
Cascara in medium doses is an efficient agent in gastric or intestinal catarrh. It quickly restores the normal tone of the mucous membranes, suspending undue secretion and acting in perfect harmony with other measures adopted.
It is a useful remedy in many cases of chronic indigestion and in chronic disease of the liver. It has been used in cirrhosis with the best of results. It is useful in jaundice with deficient excretion of bile, and corrects catarrh of the bile duct. It is useful in diarrhea, subacute or chronic, depending on deficient liver action, and upon catarrhal and atonic conditions of the intestinal tract.
In 1886 quite an interest was excited by the assertion of Goodwin, of New York, that cascara was an excellent remedy for rheumatism. Many experimented with it and some reported excellent results, but its use for this purpose has not been continued. It is, however, of value in the treatment of those cases where gastric and intestinal disorders are present, given in conjunction with more specific agents."
(Finley Ellingwood: The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1915)