West Indian elm (Guazuma ulmifolia).Plant Part Used: Root.Dominican Medicinal Uses: Leaf: decoction, orally, for cough, common cold and flu symptoms. Bark: multi-herb decoction, orally, for menstrual disorders, fibroids, ovarian cysts, menopausal symptoms.Safety: Leaf: considered safe when used appropriately; low toxicity of shown in animal and clinical studies. No information on safety of the bark.Contraindications: No information on safety of leaf or bark in children and pregnant or lactating women.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In vivo: antidiabetic, hypoglycemic (bark extracts).In vitro: antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antioxidant (organic plant extracts); antisecretory (bark extract); enzyme inhibition (bark extracts).* See entry for Guácima in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.
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