Single Herb Glossary
Mài Mén Dōng 麥門冬
| Pharmaceutical name | Ophiopogonis Radix ophiopogon tuber “lush winter wheat” |
| Category | Tonify Yin |
| Key Properties | Nourishes Yin of ST, SP, HT, & LU Clears Heat Quiets Irritability |
| Properties | Sweet Sl. Bitter Sl. Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Moistens LU, & Nourishes Yin 2) Augments ST Yin & Generates Fluids 3) Moistens Intestines (constipation) 4) Clears the HT & Eliminates Irritability |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Loose stools from SP Def, turbid phlegm, thin mucus in the LU & ST, or early stage of Wind-Cold coughs |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause drowsiness and sedation |
| Chemical Composition | Ophiopogonin A,B,C,D; ruscogenin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol-β-glucoside, ophioside, kaempferol-3-galactoglucoside |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiarrhythmic: intravenous injection effective in treating drug-induced arrhythmia in rats; duration of effect is relatively short, as arrhythmia tends to recur • Cardiovascular: ophiopogonin has positive inotropic effect and increases cardiac output in frog heart specimens; at large dosage, decreases cardiac contractility and cardiac output • Antibiotic: inhibiting influence on S.taphylococcus albus, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Salmonella typhi |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.