Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Mai Men Dong work in the body?

Mai Men Dong contains bioactive compounds including ophiopogonanones, ruscogenin, steroidal saponins, and polysaccharides that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds demonstrate immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in preliminary research. The polysaccharides appear to support immune function, while saponins may contribute to the herb's moistening qualities. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these actions translate to nourishing lung and stomach yin, addressing dryness patterns in the body. Evidence Level: C (preliminary research supporting traditional use).

Does Mai Men Dong interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on Mai Men Dong drug interactions. Due to its immunomodulatory properties, theoretical interactions with immunosuppressive medications are possible, and patients on such drugs should consult a healthcare provider before use. The herb may also affect blood sugar levels, warranting caution with antidiabetic medications. No well-documented clinical interactions have been established. Patients taking prescription medications should seek guidance from a qualified practitioner. Evidence Level: C (theoretical based on pharmacological properties).

What is the recommended dosage for Mai Men Dong?

The traditional dosage of Mai Men Dong dried tubers is 6–15 grams daily, prepared as a decoction. For standardized extracts, 500 mg taken twice daily is commonly used. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and condition being addressed. Mai Men Dong is frequently combined with other herbs in traditional formulas such as Mai Men Dong Tang. Always follow manufacturer instructions or consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations. Evidence Level: Traditional.

Is Mai Men Dong safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mai Men Dong is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindications explicitly include pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal development. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so caution is advised. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. Evidence Level: Traditional/Expert consensus.

What is Mai Men Dong used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Mai Men Dong is one of the premier yin-tonifying herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, primarily used to nourish lung and stomach yin. It addresses conditions characterized by yin deficiency, including dry coughs, thirst, and dry throat. The herb is also used for heart fire conditions and appears in major formulas like Mai Men Dong Tang. Its moistening properties make it valuable for patterns involving dryness and heat. Evidence Level: C (supported by preliminary research and traditional use).

What are the side effects and contraindications of Mai Men Dong?

Mai Men Dong may cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea when taken in excessive amounts. Contraindications include cold-damp conditions in TCM theory and existing diarrhea, as the herb's cooling and moistening properties may worsen these patterns. Individuals with spleen deficiency or cold-damp constitution should avoid this herb. Discontinue use if digestive discomfort occurs and consult a qualified practitioner. 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

Ophiopogon japonicus, known as Mai Men Dong or Ophiopogonis Radix, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and organ-protective properties [PMID:26826325, PMID:39101149].

Background

Ophiopogon japonicus is a herbaceous plant in the lily family [PMID:42335574]. Its tuberous roots (Ophiopogonis Radix) are widely utilized in the traditional medicines of China, Japan, and south-eastern Asian countries [PMID:26826325].

Traditional uses

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, it is used to nourish yin, promote body fluid production, moisten the lung, ease the mind, and clear away heart fire [PMID:26826325, PMID:42335574].

Active compounds

Key active compounds include polysaccharides (specifically β-fructans) [PMID:29634971, PMID:42335574], steroidal saponins such as ruscogenin [PMID:35530141, PMID:39267167], ophiopogonin D [PMID:39101149, PMID:38824823], and various homoisoflavonoids [PMID:12591271, PMID:28496489].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the regulation of the STAT3/A20/ASK1 axis to reduce inflammation in acute lung injury [PMID:38824823], targeting NMMHC IIA to modulate TLR4 signaling for pulmonary barrier protection [PMID:35530141], and regulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/FoxO3a signaling pathway to attenuate muscle atrophy [PMID:41470891]. It also inhibits ferroptosis via the STAT6/p53/SLC7A11 axis [PMID:41448369] and the USP25/Rac1/Nox1 complex [PMID:40099394].

Clinical evidence

Evidence ACough

Maekmoondong-tang (a formula containing Ophiopogon japonicus) is used to improve cough symptoms [PMID:26666732]

Evidence DAcute Lung Injury (ALI)

Ophiopogonin D reduces inflammation and prevents ALI in mouse models [PMID:38824823, PMID:40099394]

Evidence DRadiation-Induced Lung Injury

Ophiopogon japonicus and Mai-Men-Dong decoction inhibit pulmonary inflammation and regulate ferroptosis in mice [PMID:31930023, PMID:41448369]

Evidence CCancer

Extracts and active compounds exhibit potential anticancer effects and suppress tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo [PMID:36854203]

Evidence DOsteoporosis

Ophiopogonin D promotes osteoblast proliferation and reduces osteoclastic gene expression in murine models [PMID:25582622]

Evidence DObesity-Induced Muscle Atrophy

Root extract inhibits muscle loss and improves muscle strength in obese mice [PMID:41470891]

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D) and pharmacological reviews (Level C), with one systematic review/meta-analysis (Level A) regarding its use in a composite formula for cough.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 31030757 (2019) — The structures and biological functions of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese herbs. · Progress in molecular biology and translational science
2.PMID: 21202304 (2008) — (E)-3-(4-Hydr-oxy-3-methoxy-benzyl-idene)-4-(4-hydroxy-phen-yl)pyrrolidin-2-one. · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Structure reports online
3.PMID: 39101149 (2024) — Ophiopogonin D: review of pharmacological activity. · Frontiers in pharmacology
4.PMID: 35530141 (2022) — Ruscogenin alleviates LPS-triggered pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction through targeting NMMHC IIA to modulate TLR4 signaling. · Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B
5.PMID: 26826325 (2016) — Ophiopogon japonicus--A phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology

Mai Men Dong

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Mai Men Dong