Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Ulmus

Also known as: Slippery Elm, Elm bark, Ulmus, Ulmus macrocarpa

Overview

Ulmus species, particularly Ulmus macrocarpa Hance, are trees whose bark and extracts have been traditionally utilized for various medicinal purposes, including gastrointestinal soothing and inflammation reduction. In supplement form, Ulmus typically involves extracts standardized for bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and polysaccharides. Modern research primarily investigates its lipid-lowering effects and potential for immune modulation. While several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted, the research maturity for Ulmus extracts is still emerging, with limited systematic reviews specifically focused on this ingredient. The overall evidence quality is considered moderate, supported by a few well-conducted RCTs, but lacking large-scale meta-analyses exclusively on Ulmus.

Benefits

Ulmus macrocarpa extract has demonstrated promising benefits, particularly in lipid management. A 12-week randomized controlled trial involving 80 adults with untreated high LDL cholesterol showed that 500 mg daily of *Ulmus macrocarpa* extract significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by approximately 23–27 mg/dL and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) by about 9–11 mg/dL compared to placebo. This represents a 10% reduction in TC and 8.5% in ApoB from baseline, indicating a moderate to strong evidence for its lipid-lowering effects in this population. For immune modulation, a 4-week RCT with 58 participants noted some modulation in cytokine markers (TNF-α and IL-2 mean fluorescence intensity), suggesting potential immune regulatory effects. However, this study found no significant effect on natural killer (NK) cell activity or white blood cell counts, and the clinical significance of the cytokine changes remains unclear, indicating weaker evidence for direct immune enhancement. Importantly, both trials reported no significant adverse effects or liver enzyme changes, suggesting a favorable safety profile at the studied doses.

How it works

The lipid-lowering effects of *Ulmus macrocarpa* are believed to be mediated by its bioactive flavonoids and polysaccharides. These compounds likely influence cholesterol metabolism and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) synthesis, though the precise molecular targets and pathways are not yet fully elucidated. The immune-modulating effects are thought to involve the modulation of cytokine production, thereby affecting inflammatory pathways. However, the direct cellular targets responsible for these immune interactions are not well defined. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, oral administration of standardized extracts appears sufficient to achieve the observed biological effects in human studies.

Side effects

Overall, *Ulmus macrocarpa* extract is well tolerated, with no significant adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials lasting up to 12 weeks. Specifically, no hepatotoxicity has been documented in systematic reviews of herbal supplements, including *Ulmus* species, supporting a favorable safety profile. There are no known significant drug interactions or contraindications reported, but caution is advised due to the limited long-term safety data available. It is important to note that special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, have not been adequately studied, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Dosage

The effective dose of *Ulmus macrocarpa* extract demonstrated in clinical trials for lipid-lowering effects is 500 mg daily. This dosage refers to a standardized extract, ensuring consistent levels of bioactive compounds. Benefits for lipid parameters were observed after 12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Shorter durations, such as 4 weeks, have been studied for immune effects, but with less clear and clinically significant outcomes. There is currently no established maximum safe dose; however, current evidence supports the safety of 500 mg per day for up to 12 weeks. The supplement is typically available in oral capsules or tablets, and there are no specific recommendations regarding the timing of administration relative to meals.

FAQs

Is Ulmus safe for cholesterol management?

Yes, clinical evidence supports its lipid-lowering effects with a good safety profile in adults with elevated LDL-C when taken at 500 mg daily for up to 12 weeks.

Does Ulmus boost immunity?

Limited evidence suggests some modulation of cytokine markers, but there is no clear clinical immune enhancement or significant impact on NK cell activity reported in studies.

How long does it take to see effects from Ulmus?

Significant improvements in lipid parameters, such as total cholesterol and ApoB, have been noted after 12 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.

Are there any significant side effects of Ulmus?

Clinical trials have reported no significant adverse effects or liver enzyme changes, indicating that Ulmus macrocarpa extract is generally well tolerated at studied doses.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.1000428/full – This 2022 double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n=80) investigated the effects of 500 mg/day *Ulmus macrocarpa* extract on lipid profiles over 12 weeks. It found significant reductions in total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B compared to placebo, with no reported adverse effects, supporting its use for lipid management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5845525/ – This 2018 randomized controlled trial (n=58) assessed the immune parameters after 4 weeks of *Ulmus macrocarpa* supplementation. While it found no significant changes in NK cell activity or white blood cell counts, it did note some modulation in cytokine markers (TNF-α, IL-2), suggesting potential, though clinically unclear, immune regulatory effects.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599741/ – This source, likely from the LiverTox database, provides information on herbal hepatotoxicity. It indicates no reports of liver injury or serious adverse events specifically linked to *Ulmus* species, reinforcing the favorable safety profile observed in clinical trials.