Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery elm bark
For the health condition: Inflammatory Bowel Disorders

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra) has been traditionally used in North American herbal medicine, particularly by Indigenous peoples, for soothing the digestive tract and alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort. Its mucilaginous (gel-forming) properties are thought to coat and protect irritated mucous membranes, which is why it has been used historically for conditions such as gastritis, heartburn, and symptoms associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Scientific research on slippery elm’s efficacy specifically for IBD is limited. A handful of small, preliminary studies and case reports suggest that slippery elm may help relieve some symptoms like constipation, abdominal pain, and inflammation due to its demulcent and possibly antioxidant effects. For example, a 2002 pilot study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that slippery elm, when combined with other herbal remedies, improved bowel symptoms and reduced inflammation markers in patients with irritable bowel syndrome—though this is not the same as IBD. Overall, while there is a strong tradition of use and plausible mechanisms of action, there is a lack of robust clinical trials to scientifically validate its effectiveness for IBD. Current evidence is largely anecdotal or based on historical usage rather than high-quality, controlled research.

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alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anthocyanins
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barberry
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beta caryophyllene
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fish oil
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
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lactobacillus paracasei
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nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
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specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
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vitamin C
vitamin D
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xylanase
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zinc
bentonite
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