Ophiopogonis Radix
Aliases：Maimendong、Yanjiecao
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb that nourishes yin. It consists of the dried tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f) Ker-Gawl. (family Asparagaceae, formerly Liliaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Nourish Yin and moisten the Lung, benefit the Stomach and generate fluids, clear the Heart and relieve vexation
Indications
It is indicated for dry cough due to lung dryness, consumptive cough due to yin deficiency, throat impediment (laryngeal pain) with sore throat, thirst due to fluid damage, internal heat with wasting thirst disorder, vexation and insomnia, and constipation due to intestinal dryness, among others.
Modern Pharmacology
1. Anti-shock effect: Intravenous injection of Maidong injection improves left ventricular function and exerts an anti-shock effect. 2. Anti-hypoxia effect: Intraperitoneal injection of 25 g/kg of Maidong decoction or 20 mg/kg of Maidong polysaccharide has an anti-hypoxic effect. 3. Effects on the cardiovascular system: Maidong injection significantly enhances myocardial contractility and cardiac pump function. At low doses, the total saponins and total amino acids of Maidong increase myocardial contractility and coronary blood flow; at high doses, they inhibit the myocardium and reduce coronary flow, but neither affects heart rate. Maidong injection also exerts myocardial protective and anti-arrhythmic effects. 4. Antibacterial effect: Maidong powder inhibits Staphylococcus albus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. A 50% Maidong decoction inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, and Salmonella typhi. 5. Effect on the immune system: Maidong enhances immune function. 6. Effect on blood glucose: A 50% Maidong decoction raises blood glucose, whereas the water or alcohol extract of Maidong (0.2 g/kg) lowers blood glucose. 7. Anti-lipid peroxidation effect: The water extract and alcohol extract of Maidong antagonize lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes. 8. Effects on the digestive system: Maidong oral solution promotes gastrointestinal motility. In addition, Maidong has certain sedative and anticonvulsant effects.
Ingredients
It contains steroidal saponins, various types of polysaccharides, homoisoflavonoids, as well as monoterpene glycosides, chromones, and other types of compounds. Among them, the steroidal saponins include ophiopogonin A, B, C, D, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and their glucosides; the carbohydrate fraction contains glucose (9.1%), D-galactose (6.7%), sucrose (48%), and other oligosaccharides (56.7%); the homoisoflavonoids include methylophiopogonanone A and B, methylophiopogonone A and B, ophiopogonone A and B, isoophipogonone A, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 6–12 g in decoction; or used in pills, powders, or extracts. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied as a paste; or decocted for topical application; or fresh juice applied.
Contraindications
1. Contraindicated in cases of Spleen deficiency with loose stools, phlegm-fluid or damp turbidity in the Lung and Stomach, and cough due to initial onset of wind-cold. 2. Pin Hui Jing Yao: “It should not be taken by those with excessive cold.” 3. Ben Cao Jing Shu: “It is contraindicated in cases of deficiency cold with diarrhea, smallpox or measles with deficiency cold and diarrhea, and postpartum deficiency cold with diarrhea.” 4. Yao Xing Zhai Yao: “Not to be used in those with stomach cold and copious damp phlegm.” 5. Ben Jing Feng Yuan: “It is not suitable for sudden cough due to wind-heat. It should not be mistakenly used in measles with cough.”
Selected Formulas
1. For Stomach Yin deficiency with Heat Indications: Dry tongue, thirst, stomach pain, hunger without appetite, vomiting (reversal), dry stools, etc. For stomach Yin damage by Heat manifesting as dry mouth and dry tongue, often combined with Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu), and Adenophorae Radix (Shashen). For wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke), often combined with Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen) and Mume Fructus (Wumei). For Qi reversal vomiting due to Stomach Yin insufficiency, often combined with Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) and Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), as in Maimendong Tang (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber). For constipation due to Heat damaging body fluids, often combined with Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi) and Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanxuan), as in Zengye Tang (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases). 2. For Lung Yin deficiency with Heat Indications: Dry nose and throat, dry cough with scanty sputum, hemoptysis, sore throat, hoarseness, etc. Often combined with Asini Corii Colla (Ejiao), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Mori Folium (Sangye), and Eriobotryae Folium (Pipaye), as in Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Principles of Medical Practice). 3. For Heart Yin deficiency with Heat Indications: Vexation, insomnia, poor memory, palpitations, severe palpitations (Zhengchong), etc. Often combined with Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren), and Platycladi Semen (Baiziren) – medicinals that nourish Yin and calm the spirit (Shen), as in Tianwang Buxin Dan (Secrets of Health Preservation). For Heat damaging the Nutritive (Ying) level of the Heart with vexation and reduced sleep, often combined with Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), and Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanxuan) – medicinals that clear the Heart, cool the Blood, and nourish Yin, as in Qingying Tang (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases).
Daily Consumption
1. Tea substitute Steep directly in water or combine with other herbs in a tea bag. It is recommended to tear or crush the Maidong before steeping to facilitate the extraction of active constituents. 2. Staple food Cook with japonica rice, millet, or other grains to make a soft, sweet congee. 3. Soup Simmer with lean pork, chicken, or other meats to make a nutritious and flavorful soup. 4. Beverage Juice or cook into a thick soup (gelatinous dessert) as a daily sweet treat.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root tuber
Selection & Storage
Store Maidong (Ophiopogon root) in a cool, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture, insects, and light. In humid areas or summer, refrigerate (0–8°C) after sealing. Sun-dry before rainy season to prevent mold. For charcoal-processed Maidong, spread to cool and prevent re-ignition.