Objective: To compare with the different species of Chuan Fritillaria (Coptis deltoidea and Coptis chinensis)

and to identify the most effective species in clearing heat and drying damp. Method: Patients with recurrent aphthae (the syndrome of excessive heat in heart and stomach) were included and randomized into the C. deltoidea group (superfine powder of C. deltoidea 3 g

po

tid

for 7 days.) and C. chinensis group (superfine powder of C. chinensis 3 g

po

tid

for 7 days). Result: ①131 patients entered the trial

66 cases in C. deltoidea group

65 cases in C. chinensis group. After 7 days of treatment. ② The curative effect of the C. deltoidea group in relieving recurrent aphthae is better than the C. chinensis group (P<0.05). ③The curative effect of the C. deltoidea group in relieving drying dampness is better than the C. chinensis group(P<0.05). ④The changes in main symptoms such as aphthous pain and the area of aphthous ulcer were significantly different between the two group (P<0.05). ⑤No severe adverse effect was observed in two groups. Conclusion: The C. deltoidea may have a better effect than the C. chinensis in relieving recurrent aphthae

and in remedying the syndrome of excessive heat in heart and stomach

also in attenuating pain and reducing the area of aphthous ulcer. The species of C. deltoidea is more effective in clearing heat and drying dampness

alleviating pathogenic fire and deoxication than the species of C. chinensis.