Objective: To comprave the difference in antitussive and expectorant activity between the different polar fractions of crude and processed Stemona tuberose Lour to support the traditional theory of honey-stir-baked S. tuberose. Method: The antitussive activity and the expectorant activity of different polar fractions of crude and processed S. tuberose

including water solution

total alkaloids and non-alkaloids were observed

the antitussive activity can be drawn by ammonia inducing cough and the expectorant activity be depended on detecting the quantity of phenolsulfonphthalein excretion in rat. Result: Compared with the black group

the different polar fractions of crude and honey-stir-baked Baibu showed distinct antitussive action (P<0.05

P<0.01 or P<0.001)

except for the low and middle dose of the non-alkaloids. Otherwise

the high and middle dose of water solution

the middle and low dose of total alkaloids

the high dose of non-alkaloid in crude and processed S. tuberose

showed distinct difference(P<0.05). The antitussive activity of processed Baibu was more significant than the crude one. However

the result of expectorant experiment showed only the high dose of water solution of crude Baibu and the high dose of processed one had expectorant activity. Conclusion: The main position which strengthen antitussive activity after honey-stir-baked is the water solution and total alkaloids

neither crude nor processed S. tuberose showed strong expectorant activity

the conclusion can be drawn that the antitussive efficacy of S. tuberose is not in reducing the adhesiveness airway secretions.