ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the antitussive, antiasthmtic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects of Herba Ephedrae cultivated artificially in Gansu province and to compare which with the wild Herba Ephedrae. METHODS: Each pharmacological action index was determined by concentrated ammonia method, windpipe capacity method, pinna swelling method and metabolic cage method. RESULTS: Both of the two kinds of Herba Ephedrae could reduce the cough responses of mice, resist the spasmodic contraction of the tracheal smooth muscles, reduce the swelling of auricle of mice and increase urine volume of rats. CONCLUSIONS: Herba Ephedrae cultivated artificially in Gansu province are equivalent to the wild one in terms of the antitussive, antiasthmtic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects thus it can serve as a substitute for the wild one.