Studies on the expectorant, antitussive and antiasthmatic properties of asterosaponin extracted from Luidia quinaria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the expectorant, antitussive and antiasthmatic effects of asterosaponin from Luidia quinaria through secretion of phenol red from mouse tracheas, frequency of cough caused by ammonia in mice and asthma induced by histamine in guinea pig, respectively. Results
showed that asterosaponin extracted from L. quinaria at doses of 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg could significantly increase secretion of phenol red from mouse tracheas, prolonged the latent period of asthma induced by histamine, and decreased the frequency of cough caused by ammonia. In conclusion,
asterosaponin from L. quinaria has obvious antitussive, antiasthmatic and expectorant effects.