Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Ulmus Fulva

Also known as: Slippery Elm, Ulmus rubra, Ulmus fulva

Overview

Ulmus fulva, commonly known as Slippery Elm, is a tree native to North America. Its inner bark has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes due to its high mucilage content. Mucilage is a gel-like substance that provides soothing and protective effects on mucous membranes. Historically, it has been employed to address various conditions, including digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis, as well as sore throats, coughs, and certain skin conditions. While traditional use is extensive, scientific research on Ulmus fulva is still in its preliminary stages, primarily consisting of preclinical and small clinical studies. These studies have largely focused on its anti-inflammatory and mucilaginous properties, but a robust body of high-quality randomized controlled trials or comprehensive systematic reviews is currently lacking.

Benefits

Ulmus fulva exhibits promising anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in animal models. An animal study demonstrated that Ulmus fulva extract significantly reduced inflammation and mucosal damage in rats with experimentally induced ulcerative colitis, showing statistical significance (p < 0.05) and improvements in biochemical markers like LDH levels. This suggests a potential role in managing inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. Traditionally, the mucilage from Ulmus fulva is believed to soothe the gastrointestinal mucosa, offering relief for conditions such as IBS and mild stomach discomfort, though direct human clinical evidence for these specific benefits remains sparse. Regarding safety, studies on related species (Ulmus macrocarpa) have reported no significant adverse effects or liver enzyme elevations, indicating a favorable safety profile. However, there is currently no robust clinical trial evidence to confirm efficacy for conditions like sore throat, cough, GERD, or cancer treatment, despite traditional or anecdotal claims.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Ulmus fulva is attributed to its high mucilage content. This polysaccharide forms a soothing, protective layer when it comes into contact with water, coating mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract and throat. This protective barrier helps to reduce irritation and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects observed in animal models may involve the inhibition of inflammatory mediators, although the precise pathways require further investigation. Due to its nature, the mucilage itself is likely minimally absorbed systemically, exerting its therapeutic effects locally within the gut or throat.

Side effects

Ulmus fulva is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA standards for food and supplements. Clinical studies, including those on related species, have not reported significant adverse reactions or liver toxicity. Common side effects are rare, with no significant adverse effects (defined as >5% incidence) documented in clinical settings. Currently, there are no known drug interactions or contraindications that have been documented in high-quality studies. However, caution is advised for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, as there is insufficient data to confirm safety in these groups. While generally well-tolerated, individuals should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.

Dosage

There is no established minimum effective dose or standardized dosing regimen for Ulmus fulva due to the limited number of clinical trials. Traditional use often involves preparing a mucilage slurry from the powdered inner bark, with doses varying widely based on individual practices. In studies involving a related species, Ulmus macrocarpa, a dose of 500 mg daily was used in a 4-week randomized controlled trial without adverse effects. However, this dosage cannot be directly extrapolated to Ulmus fulva. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation for Ulmus fulva require further rigorous research to be definitively established. Users should follow product-specific instructions or consult with a healthcare provider.

FAQs

Is slippery elm safe?

Yes, slippery elm is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies. It is recognized as safe by the FDA for food and supplements.

Does it help with IBS or colitis?

Animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory benefits for colitis, but human evidence for IBS or colitis is limited and inconclusive. More research is needed to confirm efficacy.

Can it treat sore throat or cough?

Traditional use supports its use for sore throat and cough due to its soothing mucilage, but robust scientific evidence from clinical trials is currently lacking.

Are there side effects?

Side effects are rare and typically minor, if any. No significant adverse effects or liver toxicity have been reported in available studies.

Research Sources

https://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jpbs/papers/Vol16-issue4/Ser-3/A1604030107.pdf – This preclinical randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Ulmus fulva extract on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. The study found that the extract significantly reduced colonic mucosal damage and inflammation, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory potential in an animal model of inflammatory bowel disease.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599741/ – This source provides general information on Ulmus fulva, including its traditional uses and safety profile. It highlights the lack of significant adverse effects or liver enzyme elevations reported in human studies involving related species, suggesting a favorable safety profile for the herb.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3281215/ – This systematic review examined various herbal treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including Ulmus fulva. It concluded that while some herbs showed promise, the evidence for Ulmus fulva in treating IBS symptoms was limited, suggesting that other herbal interventions like peppermint oil had more robust support.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/slippery-elm-uses-and-risks – This article provides an overview of slippery elm's traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes the herb's traditional application for digestive issues and sore throats, while also emphasizing the need for more scientific research to substantiate many of its claimed effects.