MICROgenics^® Slippery Elm Digestion Formula

Slippery elm bark has demulcent, emollient, nutritive, and astringent actions

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) is a long-lived tree native to North America. American Indians used the inner bark as a laxative and for its soothing qualities in mucous membrane disorders.1 Slippery elm inner bark constituents include mucilage, tannins, starch, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins, and minerals.1 Mucilage is a type of soluble dietary fibre made of a number of different sugars and uronic acid units that form a highly branched polymeric structure. It absorbs water and swells to many times its original volume and forms a viscous material following oral administration or when used topically.

Slippery elm is mainly used for its anti-inflammatory activity in the respiratory and digestive tracts, for relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and normalising bowel function, and topically for skin disorders and wounds.2 It can be used as a food during convalescence.

Slippery elm soothes inflammation in the digestive and respiratory tracts

Slippery elm has been recommended as a soothing nutritive demulcent for sensitive or inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system.2 Mucilage attracts water to form a gel which has soothing and protective effects throughout the gastrointestinal tract and provides a protective barrier against gastric acid, making slippery elm bark particularly useful in the treatment of hyperacidity, dyspepsia, and gastro-oesophageal reflux.3 In vitro studies have shown that slippery elm has antioxidant activity in two cell-free radical generating systems and also in inflamed colorectal mucosal cells.4 Herbalists use slippery elm bark for inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract, including oesophagitis, gastritis, colitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and diarrhoea.3 It is believed to help tissue repair and restore mucous membrane integrity in the intestine and to have soothing, anti-inflammatory effects on the respiratory system.3

Slippery elm has prebiotic activity

The soluble dietary fibre in slippery elm is not broken down by human digestive enzymes but can be partially fermented by bowel bacteria, enhancing the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon and helping to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. During fermentation, soluble fibre is broken down to short-chain fatty acids that provide fuel for colonocytes and may have protective functions by helping to regulate cell replication in the colon.

Slippery elm maintains healthy bowel function

Slippery elm bulks up and softens faecal matter and has lubricating properties in the bowel making it easier to pass faeces. It is useful for relief of haemorrhoid discomfort, constipation and diarrhoea.

Licorice has muco-protective and anti-inflammatory activity

Licorice exhibits a cortisone-like action and has expectorant (mucus-loosening), anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.1 It stimulates production of protective mucus and enhances healing of damaged tissue in the digestive tract. The German Commission E has approved the use of licorice root for catarrh of the upper respiratory tract and gastric or duodenal ulcers.5

References

• Braun, L & Cohen, M. Herbs & natural supplements an evidence-based guide. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2007.
• Hoffmann, D. The Holistic Herbal. Element Books Ltd. 1986.
• Mills, S & Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Churchill Livingstone. 2000.
• Langmead L, Dawson C, Hawkins C, Banna N, Loo S, Rampton DS. Antioxidant effects of herbal therapies used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an in vitro study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Feb;16(2):197-205.
• Blumenthal, M & Goldberg, A (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. American Botanical Council. 1998.