[Pharmacological studies of Senso (Ch'an Su) containing drugs]

General pharmacological properties of two kinds of Senso-containing drugs were studied. There were no prominent differences in the pharmacological profile between the two prescriptions. Inhibition of writhing (60 mg/kg, p.o.), prolongation of hexobarbital-induced hypnosis, hypothermia, antipyretic effect, and inhibition of acetic acid-induced capillary permeability (600 mg/kg, p.o.) in mice were observed after administration of these drugs. These effects were suggested to originate from cinobufagin, a constituent of Senso. Augmentation of blood sugar level and inhibition of gastric juice secretion (600 mg/kg, p.o.) in rats were also observed after administration of these drugs. These effects were suggested to originate from constituents of Senso other than cinobufagin. Isolated ileum and aorta of guinea pigs and vas deferens and fundus strip preparation of rats contracted, and isolated trachea of guinea pigs relaxed after the application of these drugs. The majority of these effects were suggested to originate from epinephrine-like or serotonin-like compounds, constituents of Senso.