Home Ingredients Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Men Dong)
Respiratory HealthCardiovascularImmune Support

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Men Dong)

Ophiopogon japonicus
Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Ophiopogon japonicus, known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a small lily-family perennial whose tuberous roots have been used for over two millennia as a yin-tonic herb. Classical TCM applications include moistening dryness of the lung, supporting respiratory comfort with dry cough, and addressing heart yin deficiency patterns. The roots contain steroidal saponins (ophiopogonins A-D), homoisoflavonoids (methylophiopogonanone A, ophiopogonone), polysaccharides, and beta-sitosterol. Modern pharmacology research is largely preclinical, with cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and respiratory effects documented in animal models. Direct PubMed-indexed human trials on isolated Ophiopogon japonicus are limited, with most clinical evidence coming from multi-herb TCM formulas where it is a component.

Studied Dose TCM dose typically 6-12 g dried root daily in decoction; standardized extract doses not well established.
Active Compound Steroidal saponins (ophiopogonins A-D), homoisoflavonoids (methylophiopogonanone A), polysaccharides, and beta-sitosterol.

Benefits

Supports Respiratory Comfort

Mai Men Dong is traditionally used in TCM to moisten dryness and support respiratory comfort, especially during episodes of dry cough or seasonal dryness. Modern preclinical work explores supportive roles in airway tissue health.

Supported by Trial 2

Promotes Cardiovascular Tissue Resilience

Preclinical research suggests Ophiopogon saponins and homoisoflavonoids support cardiovascular tissue resilience under stress, contributing to interest in this herb within TCM cardiac-supportive formulas.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Supports Healthy Immune Modulation

Ophiopogon polysaccharides have demonstrated immunomodulatory activity in laboratory studies, supporting a balanced immune response and complementing traditional use of the herb as a tonic for systemic vitality.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Helps Maintain Mucosal Hydration

Consistent with its TCM characterization as a yin-moistening herb, Mai Men Dong is used in formulas to help maintain comfortable mucosal hydration of the throat, mouth, and airways during dry conditions.

Mechanism of action

1

Steroidal Saponin Cardioprotection

Ophiopogonin D and related steroidal saponins demonstrate cardioprotective activity in preclinical models, including modulation of ion channels, reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and antioxidant effects in cardiomyocytes.

2

Polysaccharide Immunomodulation

Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides activate macrophages and modulate cytokine production in vitro, supporting balanced innate immune responses and contributing to traditional immune-tonic uses of the root.

3

Anti-Inflammatory Airway Effects

Homoisoflavonoids including methylophiopogonanone A inhibit pro-inflammatory mediator production in airway and immune cell models, providing mechanistic support for the herb's traditional respiratory applications.

Clinical trials

1
Sheng Mai San TCM Formula Cardiac Study

Clinical investigation of Sheng Mai San (containing Ophiopogon japonicus, Panax ginseng, Schisandra chinensis)

Adults with cardiovascular concerns

Sheng Mai San administration was associated with subjective improvements in fatigue, palpitations, and exercise tolerance compared to baseline. While the multi-herb design limits attribution to Ophiopogon specifically, the formula's traditional cardiovascular use is reinforced. Standalone Ophiopogon trials remain sparse.

2
Ophiopogon Polysaccharide Preclinical Immunomodulation

Animal and in vitro study of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide fractions

Murine immune cell and in vivo models

Purified Ophiopogon polysaccharides enhanced macrophage activity, modulated cytokine balance, and supported humoral immune responses in animal models. These findings underpin emerging research interest in the herb's contribution to immune-tonic TCM formulations, pending dedicated human trials.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated in traditional decoction doses with limited modern safety data.
Mild gastrointestinal upset, including loose stools or nausea, may occur.
Possible allergic reactions to the root or extract in sensitive individuals.
Long-term safety of concentrated extracts has not been extensively studied.
Not recommended in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data.

Important Drug interactions

May potentiate effects of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin; use cautiously.
Theoretical interaction with antiarrhythmic drugs due to ion channel activity.
May modulate immune-suppressing drugs in transplant or autoimmune contexts.
Possible additive effects with antidiabetic agents; monitor blood glucose.

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Frequently asked questions about Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Men Dong)

What is Ophiopogon japonicus (mai men dong) used for?

Ophiopogon japonicus, known as mai men dong, is a Chinese herb used as a moistening, yin-nourishing tonic for dryness, supporting the lungs and throat (dry cough), digestion, and hydration.

What is mai men dong good for?

It is traditionally used for dry cough and dry throat, supporting the stomach and fluids, and easing dryness and irritability, often in formulas for the lungs and heart. It is a moistening, soothing herb.

How much Ophiopogon should I take?

It is used within traditional formulas or as a decoction or extract; follow product or practitioner guidance. The tuber is the part used.

Is Ophiopogon japonicus safe?

Within traditional practice it is generally considered safe and gentle. Those with medical conditions or on medication should check with a knowledgeable practitioner or doctor.

What is Ophiopogon japonicus?

Ophiopogon japonicus, known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a small lily-family perennial whose tuberous roots have been used for over two millennia as a yin-tonic herb.

What is Ophiopogon japonicus used for?

Ophiopogon japonicus is researched primarily for Respiratory Health, Cardiovascular, and Immune Support. Mai Men Dong is traditionally used in TCM to moisten dryness and support respiratory comfort, especially during episodes of dry cough or seasonal dryness. Modern preclinical work explores supportive roles in airway tissue health.

What is the recommended dosage of Ophiopogon japonicus?

The clinically studied dose is TCM dose typically 6-12 g dried root daily in decoction; standardized extract doses not well established. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Ophiopogon japonicus safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Ophiopogon japonicus is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well tolerated in traditional decoction doses with limited modern safety data. Mild gastrointestinal upset, including loose stools or nausea, may occur. It may also interact with some medications. Ophiopogon japonicus is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Ophiopogon japonicus interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: May potentiate effects of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin; use cautiously. Theoretical interaction with antiarrhythmic drugs due to ion channel activity. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Ophiopogon japonicus?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Ophiopogon japonicus as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(2 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Chen MH, Chen XJ, Wang M, Lin LG, Wang YT. Ophiopogon japonicus--A phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;181:193-213. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.037.PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review of Ophiopogon japonicus phytochemistry (ophiopogonins, homoisoflavonoids, polysaccharides), TCM ethnomedicinal uses, and preclinical pharmacology including cardiovascular and immunomodulatory effects.
  2. Wang S, Li M, Gong X, Chen Z, Sheng H, Xu F, et al. A systematic review on polysaccharides from Ophiopogonis Radix and Liriopes Radix: Advances in the preparation, structural characterization and pharmacological activities. Carbohydr Res. 2026;559:109744. doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2025.109744.PubMedUsed to support: Preclinical mouse study demonstrating Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharide modulates Th17/Treg balance and exerts immunoregulatory effects, supporting traditional immune-tonic and yin-moistening uses.