Page 35 - Ultimate Fibre Plus Monograph
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Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm) [Bark]

Ulmi Rubrae Cortex (slippery elm bark) consists of the dried inner bark of Ulmus rubra
(Bradley, 1992; Martindale, 1996) and contains large amounts of mucilage, consisting of
polysaccharides (Anderson, 1933) that contains residues of L-rhamnose, D-galactose,
3-O-methyl-D-galactose, and D-galacturonic acid (Beveridge et al., 1969; Newall et al.,
1996).

Ulmi Rubrae Cortex forms a viscous mucilage which has excellent demulcent (Bradley,
1992; BHP, 1996; Martindale, 1996) and emollient properties (Bradley, 1992). Taken
orally, the mucilage soothes irritation or inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa and
the mucilage also has nutritive value that has long been used in convalescent foods and
digestive preparations (Bradley, 1992; Newall et al, 1996).

Traditionally, Ulmi Rubrae Cortex has been used for inflammation and ulceration of the
gastrointestinal tract, such as esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers;
diarrhoea (Bradley, 1992; Newall et al, 1996). Ulmi Rubrae Cortex increases stool bulk and
is used for constipation and diverticular disease; provides mucoprotection in the treatment
of dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux (Mills & Bone, 2000).

Actions                                                ¦ Nutritive
                                                       ¦ Protectant
     ¦ Anti-inflammatory
     ¦ Demulcent
     ¦ Emollient

(Bradley, 1992; BHP, 1996; Martindale, 1996; Mills & Bone, 2000)

 Indications                                           ¦ Diverticular disease
                                                       ¦ Duodenal ulcers
       ¦ Colitis                                       ¦ Dyspepsia
       ¦ Constipation                                  ¦ Esophagitis
       ¦ Convalescent diet                             ¦ Irritable bowel disease
       ¦ Diarrhoea                                     ¦ Irritable bowel syndrome
       ¦ Gastric ulcers
       ¦ Gastritis
       ¦ Gastroesophageal reflux

(Bradley, 1992; Martindale, 1996; Mills & Bone, 2000)

TOXICOLOGY

Toxicity for Ulmi Rubrae Cortex has not been documented in humans when administered orally
in therapeutic doses.

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