The chief constituent of slippery elm bark is mucilage. It also contains tannin, polysaccharides including pentoses, methyl-pentoses and hexoses, anti-oxidants including beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene and flavonoids including proanthocyanidins. Slippery elm bark also contains amino acids, bromine, calcium, iodine, starch, sugar, traces of manganese and zinc. Mucilage is responsible for the demulcent, emollient, and antitussive properties.

Historical or traditional use:
Slippery elm has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. It has been considered helpful for various conditions:

• Diarrhea: Slippery elm has been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for gastrointestinal symptoms including bloody diarrhea.
• Gastrointestinal tract: Fiber content is thought to reduce gastrointestinal transit time, act as a bulk forming laxative, and adsorb toxins.
• Antitumor: Fatty acid esters such as oleic and palmitic acid are thought to be responsible for antitumor activity