Ophiopogon
Useful mainly for no standalone use is supported by good human trials.
Quick decision guide
May help most
no standalone use is supported by good human trials
Common dosing range
no well-established single-herb clinical dose
When to expect effects
Not established
Watch out for
evidence comes mostly from multi-herb formulas and animal models
What is it
Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), known as Mai Dong or dwarf lilyturf, is a plant whose tuberous roots are a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used traditionally to 'moisten' dryness, for cough, and as part of cardiovascular formulas, and contains saponins (ophiopogonins) and polysaccharides. Almost all supporting evidence is preclinical or from multi-herb formulas rather than the isolated herb.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
cardiovascular support (traditional / formula-based) Mixed Evidence | Not established | none established for the isolated herb | Not established |
cardiovascular support (traditional / formula-based)
- Effect
- Not established
- Best fit
- none established for the isolated herb
- Time
- Not established
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
cardiovascular support (traditional / formula-based)
Mechanism onlyOphiopogon is a component of traditional cardiovascular formulas (such as Sheng Mai San), and animal and cell studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and myocardial-protective activity for its ophiopogonins and polysaccharides. Human evidence is largely confined to multi-herb formulas, making it impossible to attribute any effect to ophiopogon alone. This is mechanistic and formula-level evidence, not isolated-herb clinical proof.
Bottom line: Cardiovascular use rests on preclinical data and multi-herb formulas, not on the isolated herb.
How to take it
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding people (insufficient data)
- Anyone needing evidence-based treatment
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
No reliable safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid medicinal use.
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
References by claim
Track Ophiopogon with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: 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.