Which herb is a laxative derived from the bark and contains anthraquinones?

• A. Rumex crispus
• B. Sanguinaria canadensis
• C. Rubus idaeus
• D. Cascara Sagrada

Answer: (D)

The key idea is a stimulant laxative sourced from bark that contains anthraquinones. Cascara sagrada fits this perfectly: it is the dried bark of the Frangula purshiana tree, and its active constituents are anthraquinone glycosides (such as cascarin, emodin, and rhein). When these compounds reach the colon, they are metabolized to active aglycones that irritate the mucosa and stimulate peristalsis, producing a laxative effect. This bark-origin and anthraquinone chemistry define its traditional use as a laxative.

The other options don’t align with both criteria. Sanguinaria canadensis is bloodroot, rich in alkaloids and used more for irritant effects or other uses rather than as a bark-derived laxative. Rubus idaeus (raspberry) isn’t an anthraquinone-containing laxative, and Rumex crispus contains laxative compounds but not from bark in the same sense and isn’t the classic bark-derived anthraquinone laxative.