Slippery elm bark

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2009

Prepared by:

Abdelrahman Osama

20610190

Ali Qasim

20610256

Slippery elm bark

Slippery elm bark

1. Common names including Arabic nameRed Elm, Gray Elm, Soft Elm, Moose Elm and Indian ElmArabic name: الزلق الغرغاج ، الحمراء البوقيصا ، األحمر الدردار

2 . The plant organ used and a clear photo of the plant and the part usedThe part used is its inner bark

Part used

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Slippery elm bark

3 . Scientific name (genus, species and family)Family: UlmaceaeGenus: UlmusSpecies: U. rubra

4 . Locations where it grows or where it is cultivatednative to eastern North America (from southeast North Dakota, east to southern Quebec, south to northernmost Florida, and west to eastern Texas)

.-The native range of slippery elm

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Slippery elm bark

5 . History of the plant with respect to its folkloric or traditional uses

Native Indian Americans were the first to discover the medicinal properties of the tree, particularly slippery elm inner bark, also known as slippery elm bark .Slippery elm bark, when placed in contact with water, produces a gummy substance or mucilage, which swells and becomes a soothing ointment. This property

of the bark of the slippery elm tree makes the slippery elm herb very unique in its own right.This soothing substance was used by Native Americans as a salve to heal wounds, and subsequently, on drying, became a natural bandage. Also, another notable practice amongst Native Americans was the use of slippery elm wrappings around meat to prevent spoilage .

The widespread use of slippery elm bark was keenly noted by the early English settlers and they, too, started including it in their medicinal treatments for cold sores, boils and wounds .

The other uses that the colonists used slippery elm bark for, was to give relief to persons with sore throats, coughs and urinary tract infections .

During the periods of war and strife, slippery elm came in very handy as a topical antiseptic cream to treat war wounds from gunshots, and also was used as survival food during the war, in the form of a nutritious gruel which can be made by mixing slippery elm bark with water .

This gruel is a soothing concoction that was served even to very small children and old, sick people unable to digest normal food.

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Slippery elm bark

It was also ingested as treatment for coughs and respiratory problems, including sore throats. (7)

6 . Constituents (name of the compounds and their chemical class)The principal constituent of the bark is the mucilage contained in large cells in the bast. This mucilage is very similar to that found in linseed .

Microscopic examination of the tissue of the bark shows round starch grains and very characteristic twin crystals of Calcium oxalate. (4)

It also containes : Glucose Polyuronides TannisGalacturonic acidL-rhamnoseD-galactoseStarchFatProteinMineralsPhytosterolsSesquiterpenesCholesterol (1) Nutrients found in slippery elm bark include:

StarchesSugarsCalciumIodineBromineAmino acidsManganese (trace)

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Slippery elm bark

Zinc (trace) (6)

7 - Pharmacological action : It is an emollient, nutritive and demulcent agent. (1)(2) Also it has antioxidant and anti inflammatory action. (1)Besides, it is expectorant and diuretic. (4)

8 - Mechanism of action It hasn't been significantly investigated but depending on its

constituents :Mucilage will coat the surface of mucous membranes, wounds and sores. When it comes into contact with water it forms a gel-like layer. This will soothe the irritated, inflamed area and decrease the local irritation. It dermatitis, it also draw out boils and abscesses. (1) Slippery elm also helps neutralize excess stomach acid. Scientists believe that the mucilage activate a reflex that causes the stomach to secrete more of its own protective mucus. (4)Anti-oxidant: vitro studies show a free radical scavenging activity that may relate to its anti-inflammatory activity. (1)

9 - Uses, side effects and contra-indications :

A) Uses :It is used orally to treat these gastrointestinal conditions :

Gastritis. (1) Acid dyspepsia. (1)

Gastric reflux. (1) Peptic ulcers. (1)

Irritatable bowel syndrome. (1) Crohn's disease. (1)

Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD). (3)

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Slippery elm bark

Diarrhea. (3)

Also, it is used topically to treat dermatitis, wounds and burns .It can be combined with anti-septic herb to treat sore throat. (1)

B) Side effects :There is insufficient information. (1)C) Contra-indications:

Since it forms inert barrier over the GI lining, it will alter the` rate and extent of absorption of the administered drug. So it is contra-indicated with drugs having narrow therapeutic ranges (e.g. Warfarin, Phenytoin). There should be at least two hour separation between taking slippery elm and these drugs. (1)

"High fibre products are contraindicated in the case of impacted bowel or bowel blockage of any origin". (8)

10 - Dosage forms : Orally: powder, capsule and fluid extract. (1)Tablets, Lozenges and Finely powdered bark for making teas or extracts. (3)Topically: coarsely powdered bark for poultices. (3)

Slippery Elm inner bark powder (4)

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Slippery elm bark

11 - Clinical trails : There is insufficient information about vivo studies but there are some vitro and animal studies which confirm the clinical uses .

Also, FDA approved that slippery elm bark is a safe demulcent substrate. (1)

"Clinical researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa recently tested slippery elm as a treatment for psoriasis, acting on a suggestion in a recorded reading by the clairvoyant Edgar Cayce. The scientists found that a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, small amounts of protein foods, and slippery elm bark with avoidance of red meat and processed foods reduced the permeability of the bowel to lectins in food and led to reductions in oozing, itching, and redness. The diet has to be followed carefully, and results may take six months." (4)

12 - phytomedicines From : http://www.drugstore.com/qxp31823_333181_sespider/natures_way/slippery_elm_bark_370_mg_capsules.htm

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Slippery elm bark

another product from : http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=417

Powder form: http://www.nextag.com/slippery-elm-powder/products-html

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Slippery elm bark

References:Important:

1 -COHEN herbs andnatural supplements by LESLEY BRAUN and MARC .

2 -Trease and Evans pharmacognosy by W.C.Evans, 15th edition .

3- http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/slippery-elm-000274.htm (University of Maryland medical center) 4- www.botanical.com Some information: 5- www.wikipedia.com 6- http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/slippery_elm7- elm.pdf (application/pdf Object) 8- http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/Canada/HealthInformation/Encyclopedias/SlipperyElmBark.htm

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