Dwarf lilyturf

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus, mai men dong in TCM) is a perennial grass-like plant whose tuberous roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine for dry cough, thirst, and constipation, often as part of yin-replenishing formulas.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Dry cough/dryness (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Long traditional use within TCM formulas; single-herb modern clinical evidence is minimal.

How it works

The tuber contains steroidal saponins (ophiopogonins), polysaccharides, and homoisoflavones. Pharmacological studies in animals show cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitussive activity. Mai men dong is a key herb in TCM formulas like Sheng Mai San. Clinical evidence as a single herb is limited; most use is within multi-herb formulas.

Dosage

No RDA. Traditional doses are 6-12 g of dried tuber in decoction per day.

When and how to take it

No timing baseline established. Often consumed as decoction with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried tuber decoction

Standard TCM use.

Traditional preparation.

Standardized extract

Modern form.

Often standardized to saponins or polysaccharides.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in traditional use. Modern long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy: limited data, generally avoid concentrated extracts. People with watery diarrhea or significant spleen deficiency (per TCM): avoid traditionally.

Interactions

No significant documented clinical interactions. Theoretical interactions with diabetes medications.

Frequently asked questions

What is mai men dong used for?⌄

It is considered to nourish 'yin' and treat dry symptoms like dry cough, thirst, and dry constipation in TCM.

Can I use it for a cough?⌄

Traditional TCM use exists; modern clinical evidence as a single herb is limited. Consult a TCM practitioner.

References

Dwarf lilyturf on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dwarf lilyturf on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dwarf lilyturf (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.