Complex mixture of the purified anthranol glycosides derived from Cascara sagrada, q.v., practically devoid of free anthraquinones. Two active fractions have been identified as casanthranol A and casanthranol B. Upon oxidative hydrolysis, casanthranol A yields emodin, while casanthranol B under similar treatment yields the aglycone, aloe-emodin, and traces of chrysophanic acid. Prepn: Lee, Berger, US 2552896 (1951 to Hoffmann-La Roche).
Cathartic.
Laxative/Cathartic