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We aimed to investigate of intrapleural use of ecballium elaterium (EE) in a rabbit model empyema.An empyema was induced in 21 rabbits after inoculation of Staphylococcus aureus. Glucose levels, pH, lactate dehydrogenase levels, and amounts of pleural drainage were evaluated in addition to pleural and empyema scores. The rabbits were divided into three groups, each 7, the isotonic solution, the streptokinase, and the ecballium group.At autopsy, there was no difference in pH, glucose, and LDH levels in three groups. The mean pleural drainage was greater in the ecballium group. A significant difference was detected between groups in terms of drainage amounts and pleural and empyema scores (P0.05). A significant difference in pleural and empyema scores was detected in the ecballium and streptokinase groups (P0.05). EE group had significant differences in drainage amounts and plural and empyema scores regard to the control group (P0.05). No significance was found between streptokinase and EE groups.We conclude that intrapleural use of EE is at least as effective as streptokinase for the treatment of empyema.