Mai Dong Herb (Liriope muscari): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Mai Dong work in the body?

Mai Dong contains active compounds including methylophiopogonanone, ophiopogonin, beta-sitosterol, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties and support the herb's traditional use for nourishing yin and moistening dryness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mai Dong works by nourishing yin fluids, clearing heat from the heart, and calming the spirit. The polysaccharides and steroidal saponins may support mucosal integrity and immune modulation. Evidence Level: C.

Does Mai Dong interact with any medications?

Limited clinical research exists on Mai Dong's specific drug interactions. Due to its moisturizing properties, it may theoretically interact with medications that have drying effects. Patients taking immunosuppressants or diabetes medications should exercise caution, as polysaccharides in Mai Dong may affect immune function and blood sugar regulation. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Mai Dong with prescription medications. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

What is the recommended dosage for Mai Dong?

The standard adult dosage for Mai Dong is 9-15 grams of dried root per day when prepared as a decoction. This dosage is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical tradition. Dosage may vary depending on the specific formulation, condition being treated, and individual constitution. Mai Dong is typically combined with other herbs in TCM formulas rather than used alone. Always follow guidance from a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Mai Dong safe to take during pregnancy?

Mai Dong is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindications advise against its use in pregnant women due to potential effects on uterine function. Pregnant women should not use Mai Dong without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider specializing in botanical medicine. Alternative herbs with established pregnancy safety profiles should be considered instead. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

What is Mai Dong used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Mai Dong is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to nourish yin, moisten dryness, clear heart heat, and calm the spirit. It is commonly prescribed for conditions associated with yin deficiency, including dry cough, thirst, irritability, and insomnia. The herb is closely related to Ophiopogon and is often used similarly for these indications. Mai Dong's anti-inflammatory properties also support its use in addressing heat-related conditions. Evidence Level: C.

What are the side effects and contraindications of Mai Dong?

Mai Dong may cause loose stools, particularly in individuals with a cold constitution or weak spleen function. It is specifically contraindicated for those with spleen deficiency accompanied by diarrhea, as its cooling and moistening properties can worsen these conditions. Other side effects are not well documented in clinical literature. Discontinue use if digestive upset occurs and consult a qualified herbalist. Evidence Level: Traditional.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Mai Dong (including Liriope muscari and Ophiopogon japonicus) is a traditional Chinese medicine tonic used to nourish yin and promote fluid production [PMID:26826325, PMID:40882790].

Background

Mai Dong refers to the tuberous roots of species such as Liriope muscari, Ophiopogon japonicus, and Liriope spicata [PMID:36291700, PMID:38280236]. It is categorized by geographical origin, such as Zhe MaiDong (Zhejiang) and Chuan MaiDong (Sichuan) [PMID:36291700, PMID:33584266].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used to nourish yin, promote body fluid production, moisten the lung, ease the mind, clear heart fire, and treat lung dryness, dry cough, thirst, and insomnia [PMID:26826325, PMID:39366531, PMID:40882790].

Active compounds

Active components include steroidal saponins [PMID:38658153], polysaccharides composed of beta-fructose and alpha-glucose [PMID:28732860], homoisoflavonoids (notably methylophiopogonanone A and B) [PMID:20226614], and specific glycosides such as Liriopem I, Liriopem II, and DT-13 [PMID:26073343].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of the IKK-NF-kappaB pathway to increase insulin secretion [PMID:32605924], suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation in lung cancer under intermittent hypoxia [PMID:36058477], and modulation of the Th17/Treg immune balance and gut microbiota in autoimmune contexts [PMID:39524804]. It may also inhibit the cGAS-STING signaling pathway to reduce oxidative stress in salivary gland epithelial cells [PMID:40882790].

Clinical evidence

Evidence AParoxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (PAF)

Adding Liriope Tuber to conventional medicine reduced PAF frequency, left atrium diameter, and P-wave dispersion [PMID:39247398]

Evidence DCOVID-19 (Omicron variant, patients >85 years)

Shashen-Maidong decoction combined with Western medicine was evaluated for efficacy and safety in a retrospective cohort [PMID:38045652]

Evidence DCandida albicans Biofilm

Liriope muscari extract significantly reduced biofilm formation by 51.65% at 1.56 ug/mL and inhibited dimorphic transition [PMID:38786162]

Evidence DDiabetes/Hyperglycemia

Maidong polysaccharide extract increased insulin secretion and reduced blood glucose in db/db mice [PMID:32605924]

Safety & adverse effects

Concerns have been raised regarding the use of paclobutrazol (a plant growth regulator) during production, which may be a health concern [PMID:33584266, PMID:38280236].

Drug interactions

Ethanol extracts of Ophiopogon japonicus have been shown to activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR) and induce cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), raising concerns for interactions with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 [PMID:26137250].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (mice/rats), and one systematic review/meta-analysis of RCTs for atrial fibrillation. Clinical data for other conditions are limited to retrospective or preclinical research.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36058477 (2022) — Shashen-Maidong Decoction inhibited cancer growth under intermittent hypoxia conditions by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 39419302 (2025) — Mechanism of Shashen-Maidong herb pair in treating hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology and experimental validation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 36291700 (2022) — Quality Evaluation of Ophiopogon japonicus from Two Authentic Geographical Origins in China Based on Physicochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Their Polysaccharides. · Biomolecules
4.PMID: 38786162 (2024) — Inhibition of Candida albicans Biofilm Formation and Attenuation of Its Virulence by Liriope muscari. · Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39524804 (2024) — Maidong Dishao Decoction mitigates submandibular gland injury in NOD mice through modulation of gut microbiota and restoration of Th17/Treg immune balance.

Mai Dong Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mai Dong Herb

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Mai Dong Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mai Dong Herb

Related Herbs

Bergamot Orange Peel

Omega-3 Fish Oil Source

Indian Pipe

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Drug interactions

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources