Limited evidenceGeneral health

Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong)

A traditional Chinese "yin tonic" root used for dry cough and dry throat. It is chemically well characterised, but the only controlled human trial concerns a purified fructan fraction used for eczema, not the traditional dryness indication.

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What the science says

Atopic dermatitis flare-ups Limited evidence
A randomised multicentre study found that oligofructans isolated from Ophiopogon japonicus reduced atopic dermatitis flare-ups in Caucasian patients. This tested a specific purified fraction in a specific condition, and does not transfer to whole-root capsules.
Traditional use for dryness and throat Limited evidence
Ethnopharmacological reviews document long-standing use for dry cough, dry mouth and thirst, with supporting anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in animals. Critical reviews of the genus note that clinical evidence in humans is essentially absent and that Ophiopogon and Liriope species are frequently confused in commerce.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseTraditionally 6–12 g/day of dried root in decoction, usually within a multi-herb formula. Extract capsules are typically labelled at around 500 mg/day, a form with no trial evidence.

SafetyFew human safety data outside of traditional use, where it is regarded as mild. Traditional practice avoids it during acute infections with phlegm and in people with diarrhoea from "cold" patterns. Species substitution between Ophiopogon and Liriope is common. No data in pregnancy or children; multi-herb Chinese formulas that contain it may interact with prescription drugs.

How to take it

TimingTraditionally taken as a decoction once or twice a day, usually within a multi-herb formula rather than alone.

With food?Either way; it is regarded as mild on the stomach.

Worth knowingCheck the species on the label — Liriope is routinely substituted for Ophiopogon, and the two are not the same plant.

Frequently asked questions

Does ophiopogon help dry cough?

Ophiopogon (mai men dong) has long traditional use for dry cough and dry throat, but human clinical evidence for that use is essentially absent. The evidence grade is limited.

Does ophiopogon help eczema?

One randomized multicentre study found purified oligofructans from Ophiopogon japonicus reduced atopic dermatitis flare-ups, but that specific fraction does not transfer to whole-root ophiopogon capsules. The evidence is limited.

How is ophiopogon taken?

Traditionally, ophiopogon is taken as 6–12 g/day of dried root in decoction, usually within a multi-herb formula; extract capsules at around 500 mg/day have no trial evidence. Check the label, because Liriope is routinely substituted for ophiopogon.

Scientific references

Clinical Efficacy of Oligofructans from Ophiopogon japonicus in Reducing Atopic Dermatitis Flare-ups in Caucasian Patients
Mainzer C, Le Guillou M, Vyumvuhore R — Acta Derm Venereol, 2019
Ophiopogon japonicus--A phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological review
Chen MH, Chen XJ, Wang M — J Ethnopharmacol, 2016
Liriopogons (Genera Ophiopogon and Liriope, Asparagaceae): A Critical Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research
Lei F, Weckerle CS, Heinrich M — Front Pharmacol, 2021

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