PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CASCARA SAGRADA/153

then become flattened, curled and sometimes 'bifid. The

segments are linear and usually 3 to 8 mm wide. The margin

is linguiform, later repeatedly dividing into bifid thallus

lobes. The thallus is cartilaginous and double-layered. The

internal tissue is made up of reticulately linked cells. The

bark layer is at right angles to the thallus. The bifurcated cell

strings are like strings of pearls that are spread radially.

Habitat: Carrageen is found from the coast of Iceland to the

Baltic, from northern Russia to the south of Spain, Morocco

and the Cape Verde Islands, and also in parts of North

America and some Japanese coastal regions.

Production: Carrageen is the dried and bleached thalli of

Chondrus crispus as well as other varieties of Gigartina

species. After being cleaned, the algae are left to bleach in

the sun, then dried.

Not to be Confused With: Confusion can arise with related

species of Gigartina stellata and Gigartina pistillata.

Other Names: Irish Moss, Chondrus, Carrahan,

Carrageennan

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Carrageenans: (carrageenine): in particular kappa-, iota- and

lambda-carrageenan (muciform galactane sulphates)

Proteins

Mineral salts: including iodides and bromides

EFFECTS

The drug contains hydrocolloids of the carrageenan type.

Carrageen is considered a mucilage because it hinders the

effect of peptides in digestive enzymes. It also acts as an

expectorant and secretory agent. In animal experiments the

drug was not absorbed. There are no studies available on

absorption in humans. The drug's purported demulcent and

antitussive effects have not been confirmed.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Folk medicine internal uses of Carrageen

include as roughage for constipation and as a mucilage for

diarrhea, as well as for peptic ulcers. Sometimes a decoction

is used for coughs, bronchitis and tuberculosis.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

dosages. Intracutaneous injections of solutions, however, can

trigger local inflammations.

DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Seldom used as a drug, but is
included in compound preparations as syrup and granules.

Preparation: Irish moss extract is prepared using a diluted,

almost boiling alkali solution. Filtration and vacuum inspis-

sation follow prior to extensive dehydration. A decoction is

prepared by combining 1.5 g drug with 1 cup water.

Storage: The drug should be stored in tightly sealed

containers.

LITERATURE

Chapman B, Chapman VJ, Chapman DJ, Seaweeds and their

uses. Chapmann and Hall, London, New York 1980.

Standoff DJ, Renn DW, (1975) ACS Symp Ser. 15:282.

Thomson AW, Home CHW, (1976) Brit J Exp Pathol 57:455.

Further information in:

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl.. Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

mbH Stuttgart 1997.

Carthamus tinctorius

See Safflower

Carum carvi

See Caraway

Cascara Sagrada

Rhamnus purshiana

TRADE NAMES

Cascara Sagrada (available from numerous manufacturers),

Cascara Sagrada Bark Mild Stimulant Laxative, Cascara

Sagrada Natural Laxative, Cascara Sagrada Bark

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the dried bark.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in axillary richly

blossomed racemes. The receptacles are green and the sepals

are larger than the petals. Both receptacles and sepals are

white. The ovary is longer than the style and is trilocular.

The fruit is dark purple and top-shaped. The seeds are ovate,

black, glossy, domed on the outside and have a distinct line

on the inside.