ABSTRACT
AIM OF THE STUDY: The antitussive Chinese herb Madouling derived from Aristolochia species is banned due to aristolochic acid-induced nephropathy. A substitute is found dispensed as Madouling in Taiwan. This study aims to determine the source plant and verify the antitussive properties of the Madouling substitute used in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) approach based on the trnL-trnF and psbA-trnH regions was applied to facilitate identification of the genuine species and substitute. The antitussive effect of both genuine Madouling and the substitute were evaluated in guinea pigs. RESULTS: FINS approach based on the trnL-trnF and psbA-trnH regions readily identified the sample of Madouling in Taiwan to the seeds of Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense. Ethanol extracts of the substitute showed significant antitussive properties in guinea pigs. CONCLUSION: Cardiocrinum seeds may have potential as a replacement of Aristolochia fruits.