Antitussive activity of an extracellular Rhodella grisea proteoglycan on the mechanically induced cough reflex

► A mucilagineous extracellular biopolymer has been isolated from culture medium of Rhodella grisea. ► Carbohydrate part was rich mainly in xylose residues. ► Biopolymer showed a significant cough suppressing effect on laryngopharyngeal type of cough. ► The cough from tracheobronchial mucous area was slightly or not affected. ► Expectoration effect was not suppressed by biopolymer application.