Mài Dōng · Ophiopogon Root
Mài Dōng (麦冬, Ophiopogon Root) is a herb of Cool nature and Bitter, Sweet flavor, in the “Yin Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to nourish Yin, Moisten the Lungs, Nourish Stomach Yin.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Mài Dōng
- Characters
- 麦冬
- Botanical name
- Ophiopogon japonicus (L.f.) Ker Gawl.
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Part used
- Root tuber
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sweet
- Meridians
- Heart, Lung, Stomach
- Category
- Yin Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
Actions according to tradition
- Nourish Yin
- Moisten the Lungs
- Nourish Stomach Yin
- Generate Body Fluids
- Clear Heart Heat
- Relieve Irritability
Traditional uses
- Lung Yin deficiency with dry cough
- Heart Yin deficiency with insomnia
- Dry mouth and excessive thirst
- Constipation from dryness
- Bloody sputum
Studied effects and current applications
- Moistens dry cough
- Calms restlessness
- Supports heart function
- Antidiabetic potential
- Antithrombotic
Applications under investigation
- Chronic dry cough
- Sjögren's syndrome (dry mouth)
- Insomnia with restlessness
- Diabetes support
- Cardiovascular health
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Cold from Spleen deficiency
- Dampness and phlegm
Relative contraindications
- Diarrhea
- Cold constitution
- Pregnancy
- Generally safe, nourishes Yin.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe for children in appropriate doses.
- Older adults
- Beneficial for Yin deficiency in elderly.
Possible adverse effects
- Loose stools (in Spleen deficiency)
- Rare allergic reactions
When to stop
- Diarrhea
- Signs of dampness
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic agents | Metformin, Insulin | Mild | Polysaccharides may have additive hypoglycemic effect Monitor blood glucose in diabetics. |
| Diuretics | Furosemida | Mild | Mai Dong generates fluids; diuretics can alter fluid balance Monitor hydration and electrolytes. |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-12 grams daily
- Powder
- 2-4 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 4-8 weeks
- Maximum
- Use with breaks
- Children
- Safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-12g for 20-30 min.
Yin nourishment
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Steroidal saponins (ophioportin, ruscogenin) and polysaccharides
Spirostanic saponins · Cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiaggregant
NF-κB inhibition, reduction cardiomyocyte apoptosis in ischemia, AKT activation · 0.1-0.5%
Fructooligopolysaccharides and beta-glucans · Hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, cardiac protector
α-glucosidase inhibition, AMPK activation, oxidative stress reduction · 10-25% in aqueous extract
Homoisoflavones · Cardioprotective, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory
Platelet inhibition via TXA2, vasodilation, NF-κB blockade · 0.02-0.1%
Phytosterol · Hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory
Competition with cholesterol in intestinal absorption · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Summer (May-August) when roots are fully developed
Fleshy tubers harvested in summer when they reach their maximum size. The largest production comes from Sichuan (川麦冬) and Zhejiang (浙麦冬). The tubers are washed, rubbed with sand to remove rootlets, and dried in the sun.
Tubers washed, rubbed with sand or manually to remove fine rootlets, bleached with sulfur (commercial method) or directly dried in the sun. Those without sulfurous bleaching are preferred. The small central filament can be removed before use.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
