Ulmus rubra/Ulmus fulva

Related Terms

American elm, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, citrostandienol, dolichol, flavonoids, fructose, glucose, grey elm, hexoses, Indian elm, methylpentoses, moose elm, oleic acid, palmitic acid, pentoses, phytosterols, polyuronidesgalactose, proanthocyanidins, red elm, rock elm, salicylic acid, sesquiterpenes, slippery elm, sweet elm, tannins, Ulmaceae (family), Ulmi rubrae cortex, Ulmus fulva Michaux, winged elm.
Select combination products: Essiac?, Essiac?-like products such as Flor-Essence?, Robert's formula.
Note: The inner bark of slippery elm should not be confused with the whole bark. Californian slippery elm (Fremontia californica) has similar bark, and although it is unrelated, it is used in a similar way.

Background

The slippery elm is native to eastern Canada and the eastern and central United States where it is found mostly in the Appalachian Mountains. Its name refers to the slippery consistency of the inner bark when chewed or mixed with water. Slippery elm inner bark has been used historically for cough, wound-healing, nutrition, or as an agent that soothes mucus membranes or softens and tones the skin. It is included as one of four primary ingredients in the herbal cancer remedy, Essiac?, and in Essiac?-like products such as Flor-Essence?.
There is a lack of research for the common uses of this herb, but due to its high gummy content, slippery elm bark may be a safe herbal remedy to treat irritations of the skin and mucus membranes.
Allergic reactions have been reported with slippery elm, but reports of toxic effect are lacking. Inner bark of slippery elm is different than the whole bark, which may cause side effects. Californian slippery elm bark has similar uses, but is in a different plant family than slippery elm.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Slippery elm is an ingredient in Essiac? and Essiac?-like products which are used for cancer. These products also contain other herbs such as rhubarb, sorrel, and burdock root. Currently, sufficient evidence is lacking to recommend for or against the use of these products for cancer. Further research is warranted.

 C


Slippery elm is an ingredient in Essiac? and Essiac?-like products which are used for cancer. These products also contain other herbs such as rhubarb, sorrel, and burdock root. Currently, sufficient evidence is lacking to recommend for or against the use of these products for cancer. Further research is warranted.

 C


Slippery elm is traditionally used to treat ulcers and inflammation of the stomach and intestine. Early evidence showed effectiveness of slippery elm with other herbs for inflammatory bowel syndrome. Additional study is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Slippery elm is traditionally used to treat ulcers and inflammation of the stomach and intestine. Early evidence showed effectiveness of slippery elm with other herbs for inflammatory bowel syndrome. Additional study is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
A proven effective dose for slippery elm is lacking in adults for any indication. In theory, slippery elm may slow down absorption of other medications given by mouth due to its fiber content. Teas, decoctions, liquid extracts, powdered inner bark preparations, and capsules/tablets are all commercially available.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Slippery elm may interact with agents taken by mouth, agents that affect the stomach and intestines, agents that soothe and protect mucus membranes, anticancer agents, and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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