[Comparison of effects of Herba Pogostmonis from gaoyao and wuchuan on digestive system]

The effects of the three extracts (decoction, oil-free decoction and volatile oil) of Herba Pogostmonis from Gaoyao and Wuchuan on digestive system were compared. The results demonstrated that the decotion and oil-free decoction from Gaoyao and Wuchuan could depressed gastric evacuation in mice. All the three extracts from Gaoyao and Wuchuan could inhibit the ACh-as well as BaCl2-induced spasmodic and automatic contraction of isolated rabbit intestine. The decoction and oil-free decoction from either Gaoyao or Wuchuan inhibited the normal intestinal propulsion. They also increased gastric secretion of acid and activity of pepsin and amylase. These suggest that both of Herba pogostmonis relief gastrointestinal spasm and improve the digestion. The total effect of Herba pogostmonis from Gaoyao was more potent that from Wuchuan.