ABSTRACT
Objective: To study the pharmacological action of Mahuang Compound Capsule(MCC) (Herba Ephedrae, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, Fructus Schisandrae, etc.). Methods: The study was carried out through the observation of ammonia induced cough model in mice and acrolein induced cough model in guinea pigs treated with MCC, its effects on asthma model of guinea pigs induced by histamine and acetylcholine mixture and on isolated tracheas smooth muscle of guinea pigs were also studied. Results: MCC administrated orally showed significant antitussive effect in ammonia induced cough model in mice and acrolein induced cough model in guinea pigs. MCC could effectively prevent guinea pigs from asthma induced by histamine and acetylcholine mixture. The water extracts could antagonize histamin phosphate that contract the isolated tracheas of guinea pigs. Conclusions: MCC has antitussive and anti asthma effects.