effects : A significant antagonistic effect against histamine-induced asthma was observed in guinea pigs after oral administration of 0.25 g/kg of the fluid extract of the root. The action lasted for more than 2 h. Oral administration of 15 g/kg of the decoction, 100-200 mg/kg of the total alkaloids or 75-100 mg/kg of the crystal alkaloid obtained from the total alkaloids after acetone treatment produced antiasthmatic effect within 1 h in over 90% of the guinea pigs with experimental asthma; the potency was equivalent to that of 75-100 mg/kg of aminophylline.