Slippery Elm
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 124 participants, researched for GI Tract Soothing, IBS & Sore Throat.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
GI Tract Soothing
ModerateIBS & Sore Throat
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
GI Tract Soothing
To evaluate slippery elm-containing herbal formulas on IBS symptoms
Study Type
Pilot randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate slippery elm-containing herbal formulas on IBS symptoms
Dose
Slippery elm bark + other herbs (IBS formula)
Participants
31 IBS patients
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Slippery elm-containing formula significantly improved IBS symptoms, stool consistency, and frequency. Constipation-predominant IBS responded best. PMID: 20954962
How They Measured It
IBS symptom score, stool consistency, Bristol stool scale
To review natural products for inflammatory bowel disease including slippery elm
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review natural products for inflammatory bowel disease including slippery elm
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Slippery elm bark demonstrated antioxidant effects and showed potential for treating IBD patients. Mucilaginous properties provide physical protective barrier for inflamed mucosa. PMCID: PMC4204705
How They Measured It
Evidence review of anti-inflammatory mechanisms
To investigate slippery elm antioxidant mechanisms and mucilaginous protection
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To investigate slippery elm antioxidant mechanisms and mucilaginous protection
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Intestinal epithelial cultures
Duration
N/A
Results
Slippery elm demonstrated potent antioxidant activity and formed a protective mucilaginous layer on intestinal epithelial cells, reducing oxidative damage and permeability.
How They Measured It
DPPH radical scavenging, mucus adhesion, epithelial protection
IBS & Sore Throat
To assess slippery elm use and effectiveness in IBD patients
Study Type
Survey/observational study
Purpose
To assess slippery elm use and effectiveness in IBD patients
Dose
Various self-selected doses
Participants
93 IBD patients using slippery elm
Duration
Variable
Results
63% of IBD patients reported improvement in GI symptoms with slippery elm use. Predominantly used for IBS-like symptoms and diarrhoea control.
How They Measured It
Self-reported symptom improvement questionnaire
To review slippery elm safety and traditional therapeutic uses
Study Type
Clinical review
Purpose
To review slippery elm safety and traditional therapeutic uses
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Slippery elm is GRAS-rated with no evidence of hepatotoxicity or clinically apparent liver injury. Used safely for GI upset, sore throat, and irritable bowel conditions. PMID: 37994741
How They Measured It
LiverTox database review and safety analysis
To investigate slippery elm inner bark mucilage gastroprotective effects
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate slippery elm inner bark mucilage gastroprotective effects
Dose
Mucilage extract 100-400 mg/kg
Participants
Rats with aspirin-induced ulcers
Duration
7 days
Results
Slippery elm mucilage significantly reduced ulcer formation and enhanced gastric mucus secretion, providing physical barrier protection to gastric mucosa.
How They Measured It
Gastric mucosal protection, mucus secretion, ulcer formation
To review slippery elm phytochemistry and therapeutic applications
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review slippery elm phytochemistry and therapeutic applications
Dose
Various
Participants
N/A
Duration
N/A
Results
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilaginous polysaccharides (arabinoxylan), antioxidant phenolics, and beta-sitosterol. Evidence supports use for IBS, IBD, sore throat, and gut soothing.
How They Measured It
Phytochemical review and clinical evidence synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Slippery Elm research
There are currently 7 peer-reviewed studies on Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), involving 124 total participants. Research covers GI tract soothing, IBS relief, Sore throat. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (2 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Slippery Elm has been researched for: GI tract soothing, IBS relief, Sore throat. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 2 out of 7 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
