The purgative activities of Whangryunhaedoktang (WT), Chunghyuldan (CD) and Rhei Rhizoma were measured to choose herbal formulae available for stroke patients suffering from constipation. When the laxative activity of Rhei Rhizoma and CD (the same dose as Rhei Rhizoma) compared, Rhei Rhizoma was more potent than CD. WT contained Gardeniae Fructus, which has been used as a laxative, as a ingredient. Nevertheless, WT did not show the purgative activity. WT and CD did not stimulate the transportation of small intestine. However, CD weakly stimulated the transportation of large intestine than Rhei Rhizoma. Accordingly, we believe that CD can be used as a useful purgative for stroke patients with constipation.