CASCARA SAGRADA 297 



334. CASCARA SAGRADA. CASCARA SAGRADA 

 CHITTEM BARK 



The dried bark of the trunk and branches of Rham'nus purshian'a De Candolle. 



BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS. Plants of this species of Rhamnus attain a height 

 of 10 to 20 feet. The leaves are ovoid, 3 to 5 in. in length, and about % in. 

 in their greatest width, serrate except at base. Flowers are small and white, 

 appearing after the leaves have matured. The fruit is a plain, round, black 

 berry about 24 in. in diameter, and contains three seeds. This species differs 

 from other species of Rhamnus in that it is a larger tree and bears a larger 

 fruit. 



SOURCE. Several allied species growing in the cascara district in Cali- 

 fornia seem to contribute the cascara sagrada bark of the market. 

 The official species grows abundantly in Northern California, Oregon, 



of 



B C 



FIG. 169. Rhamnus frangula Cross-section of bark. (37 diam.) A, Cork. B, Grou 

 bast fibers. C, Medullary ray. (Photomicrograph.) 



and Washington. "If the bark comes and is actually collected from 

 Northern California, it is presumptive evidence that it is genuine. 

 The probabilities of adulteration increase with its southward sources, 

 and if collected in, or south of, Central California, it is to be looked 

 upon with greatest suspicion" (Rusby). 



DESCRIPTION OF DRUG. Curved pieces or quills i to 4 mm. (^5 to }/ in.) 

 thick, and about 100 mm. (4 in.) long. The outer surface is reddish 

 brown, frequently more or less covered with grayish or whitish lichens, 

 the young bark having numerous rather broad, pale-colored warts; 

 sometimes mottled or figured; inner surface smooth and finely striate, 

 yellowish, turning brown or nearly black on exposure; fracture short, 

 yellowish, of the inner layer somewhat fibrous and thick. A cross- 



