Last verified: 17 days ago
Slippery Elm
Also known as: Ulmus rubra, Ulmus fulva, slippery elm bark, red elm
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Tree bark used for gut soothing. Limited solo evidence; most studies test it in herbal blends.
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What it does
Slippery elm is the inner bark of the Ulmus rubra tree, long used in traditional medicine as a digestive soother. In the studies reviewed, it appears as part of multi-ingredient herbal formulas...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Supplement, NOW Detox Cleanse 90ct, Renew Life 3-Day Cleanse and 2 more
What the Science Says
Slippery elm is the inner bark of the Ulmus rubra tree, long used in traditional medicine as a digestive soother. In the studies reviewed, it appears as part of multi-ingredient herbal formulas that showed improvements in IBS symptoms, intestinal permeability, and general gut discomfort. Lab studies suggest it has antioxidant properties and may help neutralize harmful free radicals in inflamed gut tissue.
What It Doesn't Do
No proof it works on its own — every positive study tested it mixed with other herbs. Won't detox your body. No evidence it treats cancer or boosts immunity in any meaningful clinical way. Don't expect it to replace medication for serious gut conditions.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Part of herbal formulas that reduced bloating, abdominal pain, and straining in IBS patients.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Included in blends that improved intestinal permeability markers in adults with digestive disorders.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Scavenges harmful free radicals in lab tests, including in inflamed gut tissue samples.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no pharmacokinetic data available from the provided studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- All positive clinical evidence comes from multi-ingredient formulas, making it impossible to isolate slippery elm's individual contribution
- May interact with medications in elderly patients with IBD — consult a doctor before use if on prescription drugs
- Widely used in 'detox' supplements that have been shown in RCTs to provide no measurable benefit
- Essiac, a popular herbal blend containing slippery elm, showed no improvement in quality of life for breast cancer patients in a clinical study
Products Containing Slippery Elm
See how Slippery Elm is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Slippery Elm do?
Tree bark used for gut soothing. Limited solo evidence; most studies test it in herbal blends.
What is the effective dose of Slippery Elm?
No established dose
Is Slippery Elm safe?
All positive clinical evidence comes from multi-ingredient formulas, making it impossible to isolate slippery elm's individual contribution
What doesn't Slippery Elm do?
No proof it works on its own — every positive study tested it mixed with other herbs.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25