Slippery Elm Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Slippery Elm

Slippery Elm

Also known as
  • Indian Elm
  • Moose Elm
  • Olmo Americano
  • Orme
  • Orme Gras
  • Orme Rouge
  • Orme Roux
  • Red Elm
  • Sweet Elm
  • Ulmus rubra
Slippery Elm Slippery elm is a type of tree that is native to North America and member of the elm family. It is known for its rough, reddish-brown bark and its slippery inner bark. In traditional medicine, slippery elm has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including sore throats, stomach ulcers, and skin irritations. It is believed to work by forming a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the digestive and respiratory tracts, which can help to soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
There are 1987 drugs known to interact with Slippery Elm

Additional Details

Is Slippery Elm Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Slippery elm is generally considered safe when used orally and appropriately. However, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to historical reports of its use for inducing abortion. There is insufficient reliable information about its safety in these situations, so it's recommended to avoid using slippery elm during pregnancy and lactation.

How Is Slippery Elm Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

The inner bark of slippery elm is the key player in its medicinal use. It gets its name from the slippery texture it takes on when chewed or mixed with water. The mucilages in the inner bark are considered the active component, providing astringent effects through tannins and demulcent effects by stimulating mucous secretion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This mucous may protect the GI tract against issues like ulcers and excess acidity. Topically, slippery elm can cause contact dermatitis due to its oleoresin constituents.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there's insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of slippery elm. More research is needed in this area to better understand how the body processes this substance.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

When taken orally, slippery elm may interact with oral drugs, potentially slowing their absorption and reducing serum levels. Caution is advised when combining slippery elm with oral medications.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Orally, slippery elm is generally well-tolerated. However, thorough safety evaluation for its topical use is lacking. Users should be cautious about potential adverse dermatologic effects when using slippery elm topically.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of slippery elm. The typical dosing for adults is also unclear due to limited research.

What Is Slippery Elm Typically Used For?

Slippery elm has a history of traditional use for gastrointestinal and urinary tract conditions when taken orally. Topically, it has been applied for various skin conditions. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for specific purposes like constipation, cough, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, and pharyngitis.

Drugs that interact with Slippery Elm

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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