Cascara sagrada is one of the mildest of the
anthraquinone-containing laxatives.
Phenolphthalein is partially absorbed (about 15%
of a given dose) and excreted into the bile; hence, if it
is taken constantly, it will accumulate and exert too
drastic an action. It inhibits active sodium and glucose absorption in the bowel.Once widely available in many
over-the-counter products, it was pulled from the market
when it was linked to cancer.
