A composition for treating post-infectious cough, its preparation method and uses

Abstract

This invention provides a composition for treating post-infectious cough, prepared from the following raw materials in the indicated weight ratios: Ephedra 6-15 parts, Apricot Kernel 5-18 parts, Platycodon Root 8-21 parts, Cynanchum Root 8-19 parts, Aster Root 10-22 parts, Stemona Root 9-21 parts, Inula Flower 8-18 parts, Coltsfoot Flower 7-20 parts, Bamboo Shavings 10-21 parts, Scutellaria Root 12-21 parts, Oroxylum Root 4-16 parts, Belamcanda Rhizome 12-19 parts, Tangerine Peel 10-24 parts, Poria Cocos 9-22 parts, and Licorice Root 5-16 parts. This composition is precisely formulated and effectively relieves cough and phlegm, showing superior efficacy compared to the commonly used Western medicine dextromethorphan hydrobromide. It provides a better option for the clinical treatment of post-infectious cough and has promising application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a composition for treating post-infectious cough, its preparation method, and its use. Background Technology

[0002] Cough is the most common symptom sought at respiratory specialist clinics and community clinics. Statistics show that the global prevalence of chronic cough in adults is 9.6%. In my country, cough patients account for more than one-third of all outpatients at respiratory specialist clinics, with a near-equal male-to-female ratio. Traditional Chinese medicine considers a cough with sound but no phlegm as a cough, and a cough with phlegm but no sound as a cough; often, both are present and difficult to distinguish, hence the combined term "cough." Cough is both an independent disease and a major symptom of many respiratory diseases. From a Western medical perspective, it includes post-infectious coughs such as those caused by upper respiratory tract infections, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and pneumonia. Coughs often occur after the acute respiratory infection symptoms have subsided, but the cough persists, representing the most common subacute cough stage. When the acute symptoms of the respiratory infection disappear, if the cough remains persistent, it often manifests as an irritating dry cough or a small to moderate amount of white, mucous phlegm; some cases become intractable and develop into chronic cough. Cough has complex and wide-ranging causes, making diagnosis difficult. Many patients undergo repeated examinations and use antibiotics, cough suppressants, or antihistamines for extended periods, but the effects are uncertain and adverse reactions are numerous, severely impacting patients' work, study, and quality of life, while also imposing a significant health and economic burden.

[0003] Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated rich theoretical and practical experience in treating coughs. The *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine) states that coughs are caused by "the skin and hair first attracting pathogenic factors" and that "all five viscera and six bowels can cause coughs, not just the lungs," emphasizing that external pathogens invading the lungs or dysfunction of the internal organs can lead to coughs. Yu Tuan said, "In treating coughs, one should prioritize treating phlegm. Treating phlegm must focus on regulating qi." The *Suwen* (Plain Questions) states, "When food and drink enter the stomach, they circulate and overflow with essence and qi, ascending to the spleen. The spleen disperses this essence, which then returns to the lungs." The lungs reside in the upper jiao (upper burner), governing qi and respiration, and are considered the child of the spleen; the spleen belongs to the middle jiao, governing transformation and transportation, and is considered the mother of the lungs, serving as the pivot of the body's qi movement. The lungs and spleen are closely related in terms of fluid metabolism and the movement of qi. Currently, there are many TCM compositions for relieving coughs and resolving phlegm. For example, patent CN201410217299.6 discloses a TCM composition with cough-relieving and phlegm-resolving effects, but this composition requires a long treatment course, and there is room for improvement in its efficacy. It is necessary to provide a new Chinese medicine formula that is easy to use, has a shorter treatment course, and is more effective. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating post-infectious cough, which is a preparation made from the following raw materials in the indicated weight ratios:

[0005] Ephedra 6-15 parts, bitter apricot kernel 5-18 parts, platycodon 8-21 parts, cynanchum 8-19 parts, aster 10-22 parts, stemona 9-21 parts, inula 8-18 parts, coltsfoot 7-20 parts, bamboo shavings 10-21 parts, scutellaria 12-21 parts, oroxylum indicum 4-16 parts, belamcanda 12-19 parts, tangerine peel 10-24 parts, poria cocos 9-22 parts, licorice 5-16 parts.

[0006] Furthermore, it is a formulation prepared from the following active pharmaceutical ingredients in the indicated weight ratios:

[0007] Ephedra 10 parts, bitter almond 15 parts, platycodon 15 parts, cynanchum 15 parts, aster 15 parts, stemona 15 parts, inula 15 parts, coltsfoot 15 parts, bamboo shavings 15 parts, scutellaria baicalensis 15 parts, oroxylum indicum 10 parts, belamcanda chinensis 15 parts, tangerine peel 15 parts, poria cocos 15 parts, licorice 10 parts.

[0008] Furthermore, the ephedra is the herbaceous stem of Ephedra sinica Stapf, a plant of the genus Ephedra in the family Ephedrine; and the inula is the dried capitulum of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L., plants of the family Asteraceae.

[0009] Furthermore, the ephedra is roasted ephedra, the bitter apricot kernel is scalded bitter apricot kernel, the aster is honey aster, the stemona is honey stemona, the inula is honey inula, the coltsfoot is honey coltsfoot, the scutellaria is wine scutellaria, and the licorice is raw licorice.

[0010] Furthermore, it is a formulation prepared by adding pharmaceutically acceptable excipients to active ingredients such as powdered active pharmaceutical ingredients, water or organic solvent extracts of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

[0011] Furthermore, the formulation is an oral formulation.

[0012] Furthermore, the oral preparations are decoctions, oral liquids, granules, capsules, tablets, or powders.

[0013] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the aforementioned composition, comprising the following steps:

[0014] (1) Weigh each raw material according to the weight ratio;

[0015] (2) The active pharmaceutical ingredient is powdered, or the active pharmaceutical ingredient is extracted with water or organic solvent, the extract is concentrated, and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are added to prepare a formulation.

[0016] Finally, the present invention provides the use of the aforementioned composition in the preparation of a medicament for treating post-infectious cough.

[0017] Furthermore, the drug is a treatment for post-infectious cough due to phlegm and dampness in the lungs.

[0018] This invention is based on long-term clinical practice and the understanding of the pathogenesis and pathology of cough. It is known that post-infectious cough is often caused by irregular diet and external pathogens, leading to impaired lung function, spleen dysfunction, and internal accumulation of phlegm and dampness. The treatment of post-infectious cough focuses on promoting lung function, relieving cough and resolving phlegm, while also harmonizing the spleen and stomach. Therefore, the formula is composed of ephedra, safflower, aster, stemona, platycodon, cynanchum, apricot kernel, coltsfoot flower, bamboo shavings, scutellaria, oroxylum indicum, belamcanda, tangerine peel, poria, and licorice for the treatment of post-infectious cough.

[0019] The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) classifies ephedra as a medium-grade herb, stating that it "treats stroke, cold, headache, malaria, promotes sweating, removes pathogenic heat, stops cough, relieves shortness of breath, and eliminates chills and fever." Modern TCM believes that ephedra has the effects of inducing sweating and relieving exterior syndromes, as well as clearing the lungs and relieving asthma, making it an essential herb for these purposes. The *Bencao Huiyan* (Collection of Materia Medica) states, "Inula japonica is a herb that eliminates phlegm, promotes urination, and facilitates the downward flow of qi." Chen Lianfang, a physician in the late Qing Dynasty, frequently used Inula japonica to treat coughs, believing that its pungent nature could promote lung qi to the skin and hair, its salty nature could enter the kidneys, allowing qi to descend, and it could also promote urination and eliminate phlegm. This herb clears the three jiaos (upper, middle, and lower burners), making it an essential herb for treating coughs. Inula japonica excels at lowering qi, stopping vomiting, promoting urination, and eliminating phlegm. Together, these two herbs form the principal herb, enhancing the effects of clearing the lungs, stopping coughs, lowering qi, and resolving phlegm. The Compendium of Materia Medica notes that Aster tataricus is mainly used to treat "cough due to lung injury" and "chronic cough"; the Records of Famous Physicians states that Stemona japonica is "mainly used to treat cough and shortness of breath", and the Elbow-Side Emergency Prescriptions also records its use for "sudden shortness of breath and cough", indicating that the main function of Stemona japonica is to stop cough. Aster tataricus and Stemona japonica are sweet and bitter and warm in nature, specifically entering the lung meridian, and are good at stopping cough and resolving phlegm, suitable for both new and chronic cough. The Seeking Truth in Materia Medica states that Platycodon grandiflorus "can both guide other medicines upward and lower qi", and the Compendium of Materia Medica states that it mainly "enters the Qi aspect of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin", and is mainly used to treat "sore throat, lung heat, shortness of breath, and cough". In the Compendium of Materia Medica, Cynanchum paniculatum is mainly used for "chest and rib rebellious qi, cough and shortness of breath... lowering qi and resolving phlegm". Platycodon grandiflorus and Cynanchum paniculatum are essential medicines for cough caused by lung disease. The former is good at clearing the lungs and stopping cough, while the latter is good at lowering qi and resolving phlegm. The two, one clearing and one lowering, enhance the effect of stopping cough and resolving phlegm. The *Ben Cao Fen Jing* states that apricot kernels are "bitter, sweet, and warm; they purge the lungs, lower qi, resolve phlegm, moisten dryness, relieve lung congestion, and benefit chest and diaphragm qi reversal," indicating their excellent effect in lowering qi and resolving phlegm. The *Ben Cao Hui Yan* states that "coltsfoot flower is a medicine that warms, moistens, clears, astringes, regulates, and tonifies the lungs. Because it is pungent, warm, and moistening, dispersing and lowering, tonifying and astringing, it is an essential medicine for treating coughs. It can be used anywhere in the lungs, regardless of whether it is cold, hot, deficient, or excessive." Coltsfoot flower is an essential medicine for stopping coughs, relieving asthma, and resolving phlegm. The *Jing Yue Quan Shu* records that bamboo shavings are mainly used to treat "pulmonary atrophy with phlegm... phlegm and shortness of breath." "Cough" can be used for cough and phlegm; apricot kernel, coltsfoot flower, and bamboo shavings also mainly enter the lung meridian, and have the effects of moistening the lungs, lowering qi, resolving phlegm and stopping cough; Li Dongyuan recorded in "Pearl Bag Supplement to the Materia Medica" that Scutellaria baicalensis: "When the middle is dry and floating, it clears lung fire, eliminates phlegm and promotes qi", Scutellaria baicalensis has the effect of clearing heat and eliminating phlegm; Oroxylum indicum was first recorded in "Diannan Materia Medica", which recorded its effects as "relieving asthma and eliminating phlegm"; Belamcanda chinensis was first recorded in "Shennong's Materia Medica", which has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating phlegm and soothing the throat; Scutellaria baicalensis, Oroxylum indicum, and Belamcanda chinensis are good at clearing lung heat, eliminating phlegm and soothing the throat. Inula japonica and Oroxylum indicum also have the effects of soothing the liver, harmonizing the stomach and lowering rebellious qi. All ten of the above are assistant herbs. "To treat phlegm, first treat qi, when qi is smooth, phlegm will disappear", "Those who are good at treating phlegm do not treat phlegm but treat qi, when qi is smooth, the body fluids will also follow the qi smoothly", so the key to resolving phlegm is to strengthen the spleen and regulate qi. The "Mingyi Bielu" states that tangerine peel "mainly lowers qi and stops vomiting and coughing," emphasizing its antitussive and antiemetic effects. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" believes that it can "treat...phlegm accumulation, cough, and malaria," emphasizing its "treatment of all diseases, taking advantage of its qi-regulating and dampness-drying effects." Tangerine peel is bitter, pungent, warm, and drying, and excels at regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, drying dampness, and resolving phlegm.The *Essential Medicines and Their Dosages* records that Poria cocos is primarily used for "chest and rib pain with shortness of breath... chills, fever, restlessness, cough, and nausea." Poria cocos is sweet and bland, and it drains dampness and strengthens the spleen to prevent the production of phlegm. When used with Scutellaria baicalensis, it embodies Zhu Danxi's principle that "drying and draining dampness prevents the production of phlegm." Both regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm, thus cutting off the source of phlegm production. The *Records of Famous Physicians* states that licorice also has a "cough-relieving" effect; therefore, raw licorice is used to dispel phlegm, stop coughing, and harmonize the effects of other herbs.

[0020] The composition of this invention contains ephedra to relieve exterior syndromes, promote lung function and relieve asthma, and inula flower to lower qi, stop cough, promote urination and eliminate phlegm, both serving as the principal herbs. Aster tataricus, stemona japonica, platycodon grandiflorus, cynanchum paniculatum, apricot kernel, coltsfoot flower, and bamboo shavings to promote lung function, lower qi, resolve phlegm and stop cough; scutellaria baicalensis, oroxylum indicum, and belamcanda chinensis to clear lung heat, eliminate phlegm and soothe the throat, serving as the assistant herbs; tangerine peel and poria cocos to regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness and resolve phlegm, cutting off the source of phlegm production; inula flower and oroxylum indicum also have the effect of soothing the liver, harmonizing the stomach and lowering rebellious qi; and licorice root to eliminate phlegm and stop cough, serving as the adjuvant herbs. The entire formula works synergistically to promote lung function, stop cough and resolve phlegm, while also strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach. Clinical application studies have proven that the composition of this invention is well-formulated and can effectively stop cough and resolve phlegm, with effects superior to the commonly used Western medicine dextromethorphan hydrobromide, providing an option for the clinical treatment of post-infectious cough, and showing good application prospects.

[0021] Obviously, based on the above description of the present invention, and according to common technical knowledge and conventional methods in the field, various other modifications, substitutions or alterations can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present invention.

[0022] The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the above-described content of the present invention. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following examples. All technologies implemented based on the above-described content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Example 1: Preparation of the composition of the present invention

[0024] Prescription: Honey-processed ephedra 10g, simmered bitter almond 15g, platycodon root 15g, cynanchum root 15g, honey-processed aster root 15g, honey-processed stemona root 15g, honey-processed inula flower 15g, honey-processed coltsfoot flower 15g, bamboo shavings 15g, wine-processed scutellaria root 15g, oroxylum indicum 10g, belamcanda rhizome 15g, tangerine peel 15g, poria cocos 15g, raw licorice root 10g.

[0025] Preparation method: Weigh the raw materials according to the above prescription ratio and put them into a clay pot. Add 2000ml of water and soak for half an hour. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until 200±20ml remains. Pour the boiled liquid into a bowl. Add 1500ml of water to the dregs, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat until 200±20ml remains. Pour the boiled liquid into a bowl. Mix the two liquids evenly before taking.

[0026] Example 2: Preparation of the composition of the present invention

[0027] Prescription: Honey-processed ephedra 6g, blanched bitter almond 5g, platycodon root 8g, cynanchum root 8g, honey-processed aster root 10g, honey-processed stemona root 9g, honey-processed inula flower 8g, honey-processed coltsfoot flower 7g, bamboo shavings 10g, wine-processed scutellaria root 12g, oroxylum indicum 4g, belamcanda rhizome 12g, tangerine peel 10g, poria cocos 9g, raw licorice root 5g.

[0028] Preparation method: Same as in Example 1.

[0029] Example 3: Preparation of the composition of the present invention

[0030] Prescription: Honey-processed ephedra 15g, scalded bitter almond 18g, platycodon root 21g, cynanchum root 19g, honey-processed aster root 22g, honey-processed stemona root 21g, honey-processed inula flower 18g, honey-processed coltsfoot flower 20g, bamboo shavings 21g, wine-processed scutellaria root 21g, oroxylum indicum 16g, belamcanda rhizome 19g, tangerine peel 24g, poria cocos 22g, raw licorice root 16g.

[0031] Preparation method: Same as in Example 1.

[0032] The following experimental examples illustrate the beneficial effects of the present invention.

[0033] Experimental Example 1: Study on the treatment of post-infectious cough with the composition of the present invention

[0034] 1. Case Information

[0035] A total of 90 patients with post-infectious cough were included, including 41 males and 49 females, aged 18 to 60 years. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: a control group (n=42) and an experimental group (n=48). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, TCM syndrome score, cough symptom score, and VAS score of cough severity (P>0.05), and the two groups were comparable.

[0036] 2. Diagnostic and Inclusion Criteria

[0037] 2.1 Western Medicine Diagnostic Criteria

[0038] The diagnosis of post-infectious cough is based on the "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cough 2021" formulated by the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine: ① There is a clear history of respiratory tract infection before the onset of the disease, and the cough persists even after the acute symptoms of the respiratory tract infection have disappeared; ② The course of the disease is 3 to 8 weeks; ④ Chest X-ray examination shows no obvious abnormalities; ⑤ Other factors causing cough, such as ear, nose and throat diseases, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases, are excluded.

[0039] 2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Criteria

[0040] The diagnostic criteria for cough refer to the cough with phlegm-dampness accumulation in the lungs syndrome in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (3rd edition) and "Diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine" (3rd edition) published by People's Medical Publishing House:

[0041] Main symptom: Cough

[0042] Secondary symptoms: ① Recurrent cough with a heavy, hoarse sound; ② Profuse, white, and sticky phlegm; ③ Coughing is especially severe in the morning; ④ Coughing is caused by phlegm, and the cough is relieved when the phlegm is expelled; ⑤ Chest tightness; ⑥ Abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite; ⑦ Loose stools.

[0043] Tongue appearance: The tongue is pale red, the tongue body may be swollen, or there may be teeth marks on the sides of the tongue; the tongue coating is white and slippery or white and greasy.

[0044] Pulse characteristics: The pulse may be soft and slippery, or thin and weak.

[0045] The primary symptoms and tongue and pulse findings are essential; if two or more secondary symptoms are present, a diagnosis can be made.

[0046] 2.3 Inclusion Criteria

[0047] Those who meet the following conditions can be included in the study: (1) diagnosed by Western medicine as post-infectious cough; (2) diagnosed by traditional Chinese medicine as cough (phlegm-dampness accumulation in the lungs); (3) aged 18-60 years, regardless of gender; (4) informed consent and signing of informed consent form.

[0048] 2.4 Exclusion Criteria

[0049] (1) Patients who are in the process of preparing for pregnancy, pregnancy or breastfeeding; (2) Patients diagnosed with other serious lung diseases; (3) Patients with serious primary diseases of the liver, kidneys and hematopoietic system or malignant tumors; (4) Patients who are allergic to the investigational drug; (5) Patients who are unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent form.

[0050] 3. Treatment methods

[0051] (1) Administration method: All 48 patients in the experimental group took the drug prepared in Example 1 orally. The administration method was as follows: one dose of the drug prepared by the composition of the present invention was taken orally in three divided doses per day. All 42 patients in the control group took compound dextromethorphan hydrobromide syrup (National Drug Approval Number H20066647, Hubei Phoenix Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), 10ml / time, 3 times / day. The course of treatment for both groups was 5 days.

[0052] 4. Observation Indicators

[0053] (1) TCM syndrome scoring. The TCM syndrome scores of the two groups before and after treatment were compared: including sputum quality, sputum quantity, cough, and throat discomfort. The syndrome scores were assessed using the TCM syndrome scoring scale. The scores were based on the symptoms. Sputum quality was scored from 0 to 6 points according to the range of thin to sticky. Sputum quantity was scored from 0 to 6 points according to the range of none, small amount, medium amount, and large amount. Cough, throat discomfort, and other symptoms were scored from 0 to 6 points according to the range of none, mild, moderate, and severe.

[0054] (2) Cough symptom score and VAS score for cough severity. Daytime and nighttime cough were scored. Daytime cough was scored as follows: none, occasional cough, relatively frequent cough with slight impact on daily activities, and frequent cough with severe impact on daily activities, respectively, with scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3. Nighttime cough was scored as follows: none, occasional cough or brief cough at sleep, mild impact on nighttime sleep due to cough, and severe impact on nighttime sleep due to cough, respectively, with scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3. Cough severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 to 10. 0 represents no cough, and as the score increases, the cough becomes more severe, with 10 representing an unbearable cough. Assessments were conducted before treatment and 7 days after treatment.

[0055] 5. Statistical methods

[0056] SPSS 25.0 statistical analysis software was used. Quantitative data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and t-tests were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

[0057] 6. Treatment Results

[0058] The TCM syndrome scores, cough symptom scores, and VAS scores of cough severity were compared between the two groups of patients before and after treatment. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0059] Table 1: Comparison of TCM syndrome scores between the two groups of patients (points)

[0060]

[0061] Table 2 Comparison of cough symptom scores and VAS scores between the two groups (points)

[0062]

[0063] As shown in Tables 1 and 2, before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in TCM syndrome scores, cough symptom scores, and VAS scores for cough severity between the TCM group and the Western medicine group (P > 0.05). After treatment, compared within the same group, both the control group and the experimental group showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, daytime and nighttime cough scores, and VAS scores, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). After treatment, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly lower TCM syndrome scores, cough symptom scores, and VAS scores for cough severity, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). This suggests that both the control group's medication and the composition of this invention have good antitussive and expectorant effects, but the composition of this invention is superior to the control group's medication.

[0064] In summary, the composition of this invention is well-formulated and can effectively relieve cough and phlegm, with better effects than the Western medicine compound dextromethorphan hydrobromide. It provides a new option for the clinical treatment of post-infectious cough and has good application prospects.

Claims

1. A composition for treating post-infectious cough due to phlegm-dampness accumulation in the lungs, characterized in that: It is a preparation made from the following raw materials in the indicated weight ratios: 10 parts of roasted ephedra, 15 parts of roasted bitter almond, 15 parts of platycodon root, 15 parts of cynanchum root, 15 parts of honey-processed aster root, 15 parts of honey-processed stemona root, 15 parts of honey-processed inula flower, 15 parts of honey-processed coltsfoot flower, 15 parts of bamboo shavings, 15 parts of wine-processed scutellaria root, 10 parts of oroxylum indicum, 15 parts of belamcanda rhizome, 15 parts of dried tangerine peel, 15 parts of poria cocos, and 10 parts of raw licorice root.

2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ephedra is the herbaceous stem of Ephedrasinica Stapf, a plant of the genus Ephedra in the family Ephedrine; the inula is the dried capitulum of Inula japonica Thunb. or Inula britannica L., plants of the family Asteraceae.

3. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that: It is a preparation made from the active ingredient of the active pharmaceutical ingredient powder or water extract of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, plus pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

4. The composition according to claim 3, characterized in that: The preparation is an oral preparation.

5. The composition according to claim 4, characterized in that: The oral preparations include decoctions, oral liquids, granules, capsules, tablets, and powders.

6. A method for preparing the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: It includes the following steps: (1) Weigh each raw material according to the weight ratio; (2) The active pharmaceutical ingredient is powdered, or the active pharmaceutical ingredient is extracted with water, the extract is concentrated, and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are added to prepare a formulation.

7. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in the preparation of a medicament for treating cough following infection due to phlegm-dampness accumulation in the lungs.

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