Abstract: The antitussive, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract and water extract from cotton root were studied in this paper. Relieving cough and eliminating expectoration were observed by strong ammonia solution spray and phenol red determining methods. The anti-inflammation was studied by ear swelling induced by xylene. Ethanol extract and water extract from cotton root both could significantly decrease cough times, prolong incubation period of cough, increase phenol red output in trachea and inhibit ear swelling.

Key words: cotton root, ethanol extract, water extract, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory