Herbal Extract
Slippery Elm Bark Extract
Also known as: Ulmus rubra bark, slippery elm, red elm, moage
Slippery elm bark contains mucilage (a viscous polysaccharide) that may coat and soothe the gastrointestinal tract. Traditional use supports digestive comfort, though human clinical evidence remains limited.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Slippery Elm Bark Extract product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne GI Relief | 88 A | $0.46 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations DGL Plus | 83 A- | $0.44 |
| 3 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Reset PM | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 4 | Terra Origin Healthy Gut Capsules with Vitamin D | 79 B+ | $0.83 |
| 5 | Vital Nutrients Slippery Elm Bark Powder | 78 B+ | $0.85 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations G.I. Fortify | 77 B+ | $1.20 |
| 7 | Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials | 75 B+ | $0.41 |
| 8 | Vital Nutrients Whole Fiber Fusion | 75 B+ | $1.00 |
| 9 | Integrative Therapeutics Similase Sensitive Stomach | 72 B | $0.58 |
| 10 | Nature's Way Acid-Ease | 70 B | $0.49 |
| 11 | Nature's Way Slippery Elm Bark | 68 B | $0.50 |
| 12 | Integrative Therapeutics Blue Heron | 61 B- | $1.41 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Slippery Elm Bark Extract should I take?
The typical range is 1.5-8 grams daily, often 1-2 grams per dose. Generally safe for long-term use; typically used for weeks to months
When should I take Slippery Elm Bark Extract?
Can be taken with meals or between meals; often mixed with water or warm liquid. May be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential GI irritation.
Which form of Slippery Elm Bark Extract is best?
Powder. Other forms in the catalog: Capsule, Tablet, Tea.
Is Slippery Elm Bark Extract safe?
Commonly reported: Mild nausea, Constipation, Stomach upset (rare).
Which Slippery Elm Bark Extract supplement scores highest?
Thorne GI Relief, at 88/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Digestive comfort
- Sore throat relief
- Gastrointestinal soothing
- Mucous membrane support
How it works
- Mucilage coating of GI tract lining
- Potential anti-inflammatory effects
- Demulcent action on irritated tissues
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1.5-8 grams daily, often 1-2 grams per dose
- Timing
- Can be taken with meals or between meals; often mixed with water or warm liquid
- With food
- May be taken with or without food; taking with food may reduce potential GI irritation
- Duration
- Generally safe for long-term use; typically used for weeks to months
- Special populations
- Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider; may affect medication absorption if taken simultaneously
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Tea· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Mild nausea
- Constipation
- Stomach upset (rare)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (limited safety data; traditional use suggests caution)
- Nursing (insufficient safety data)
- Allergy to elm species
Products containing Slippery Elm Bark Extract
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Slippery Elm Bark Extract on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Slippery elm has a long history of traditional use and in vitro studies support mucilage composition, but clinical trials in humans are sparse and small. Evidence is primarily observational or from animal models.
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Herbal Extract
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.