Planta Med. 1991 Oct; 57(5): 440-3.

Bicascarosides in fluid extracts of cascara.

de Witte P, Cuveele J, Lemli J.

Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytopharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, K.U. Leuven, Belgium.

Bianthraquinone glycosides are formed during the preparation and conservation of fluid extracts of cascara. Analysis of these preparations has shown that up to 20% of total amount of anthracene glycosides can be dimerized. These dimers are devoid of laxative activity. They are absorbed in the intestine and very slowly excreted.