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Dietary supplement

Slippery Elm Bark Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Herbs

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Slippery Elm Bark is a dietary supplement by Pure Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sore throat and cough, heartburn and acid reflux, digestive upset and ibs.Based on those ingredients, 2,022 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Slippery Elm Inner Bark Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This is a single-ingredient product: slippery elm inner bark extract. Slippery elm inner bark has a long history in herbal medicine and is thought to work through its mucilage content — a substance that coats and soothes.

There are no inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Slippery Elm's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy gastrointestinal tract.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Peptic ulcers, gastritis — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Slippery Elm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Slippery Elm is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Peptic ulcers.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that slippery elm works reliably for cancer, constipation, cough, diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For all of these conditions, the data rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence.

That means we don't have strong proof either way — not that it doesn't work, but that high-quality studies backing it are lacking.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Slippery Elm

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Slippery elm is generally well tolerated for short-term use, though high-quality safety data are limited. When applied to skin, slippery elm can cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation), and the pollen is known to trigger allergies in some people — you may also see skin reactions (urticaria, or hives) after touching the bark or products containing it.

For pregnancy, there isn't enough reliable safety data to say whether it's okay, so caution is advised. For breastfeeding, safety information is too limited to know either way.

If you're pregnant or nursing and thinking about using this product, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the limited data show and whether it makes sense for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Slippery Elm

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Slippery Elm.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 2,023 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Oral medications (drugs you swallow) are the main watch. Slippery elm's mucilage may slow their absorption and lower blood levels, which could reduce how well they work.

Check your specific prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs on this page before you combine them with this product, or talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist — they may suggest timing doses apart.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Slippery elm bark extract is one ingredient that may soothe through its mucilage coating, though evidence for specific conditions is thin. Its main concern is that it can slow how your body absorbs oral medications — a Moderate interaction that applies broadly.

If you take any medications by mouth, check them here or with your own pharmacist before starting. Pregnant or nursing?

Run it by your doctor or pharmacist first, since safety data are incomplete.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 13, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Slippery Elm Bark, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Herbs
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 13, 2022
DSLD ID 279228
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Servings per container
60
IngredientAmount% DV
Slippery Elm Inner Bark Extract1934 mg--

Other ingredients: None

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, mix 2 mL (abt. 1/2 tsp) of extract in 2 fl. oz (60 mL) water one time daily preferably with a meal.

Shake well before use

Formulation

Helps to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, consult your doctor prior to use.

Discontinue use and consult with your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pure Herbs, Ltd. Natural Herbal Extracts

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

"No expense has been spared to provide the finest nature has to offer."

See for yourself

Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Slippery Elm Inner Bark Extract

Interacts with
2,022 drugs
1934 mg per serving

Slippery elm is a traditional herbal remedy made from the inner bark of a North American elm tree, used mainly to soothe sore throats and irritated di...

Slippery Elm Inner Bark Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Slippery Elm Bark?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
2,022Drugs
2,022 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Slippery Elm Bark with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Slippery Elm Inner Bark Extract1 drug type · 2,022 drugs

Oral Drugs

Theoretically, slippery elm may slow the absorption and reduce serum levels of oral drugs.
Slippery elm inner bark contains mucilage, which may interfere with the absorption of orally administered drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Slippery Elm Bark, from the product label.

Pure Herbs

See all Pure Herbs products
Name
Pure Herbs, Ltd.
City
Sterling Heights
State
MI
Phone Number
(800) 860-4372
Web Address
www.pureherbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs: Common Questions

Does Slippery Elm Bark by Pure Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Slippery Elm Bark has a known interaction with 2,022 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Slippery Elm Bark contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does slippery elm actually help with cough, constipation, or diarrhea?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that it works reliably for those — or for inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or any other condition listed here. We rate it as having insufficient reliable evidence for all of them. That doesn't mean it won't help you, just that solid proof is lacking.
Will this slow down my other medications?
Yes — possibly. Slippery elm's mucilage may interfere with how your body absorbs oral drugs, which could lower the level of those medications in your bloodstream. It's a Moderate interaction and could affect how well your medications work. Use the search tool on this page to check your specific drugs, or ask your own pharmacist whether you need to space doses apart.
Can I use slippery elm while I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable safety data to know. Since caution is advised, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it makes sense for you right now.
Is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
There's too little information on safety during breastfeeding to say either way. If you're nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — they can help you weigh what we do and don't know.
Can slippery elm cause a rash or allergic reaction?
Yes. When applied to skin, it can cause contact dermatitis (irritation). The pollen is an allergen, and some people have had skin reactions like hives after touching the bark or products containing it — especially if you're sensitive.
How long is it okay to use this product?
It's generally well tolerated for short-term use, though high-quality safety data for long-term use are limited. If you're thinking of using it for weeks or longer, run that by your doctor or pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Slippery Elm Bark label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Slippery Elm Bark's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 3 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Slippery Elm 3 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Czarnecki D, Nixon R, Bekhor P, and et al. Delayed prolonged contact urticaria from the elm tree. Contact Dermatitis 1993;28:196-197. PubMed

See these in context on the Slippery Elm monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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