Mondo grass

Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon japonicus): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity: Botanical and Chemical Names, Natural Source, and Common Forms

1.1 Nomenclature

Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl. carries several common English names, including mondo grass, dwarf lilyturf, fountainplant, and monkey grass. In Japanese it is known as ryū-no-hige ("dragon's beard") or ja-no-hige ("snake's beard"). In French it is called Muguet du Japon. In traditional Chinese medicine, both the plant and its tubers are known as mai men dong (Chinese: 麥門冬). The root itself is designated Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong in Chinese) and belongs to the family Liliaceae (also placed in Asparagaceae in more recent classifications) according to the Pharmacopoeia Commission of the People's Republic of China (2015).

1.2 Botanical Description and Natural Distribution

Mondo grass is a perennial bushy herb characterized by its small, oval or spindle-shaped tuberous roots, typically found in the middle or near the ends of the root system. The small tuberous roots are light brownish-yellow and very short. The leaf base is clumped, seeds are spherical, and flowers are solitary or in pairs, with a flowering period from May to August and a fruiting period from August to September. The plant is an evergreen, sod-forming perennial with linear leaves 20–40 cm (7.9–16 in) long. The flowers are white through pale lilac, borne in a short raceme, and the fruit is a blue berry approximately 5 mm in diameter.

O. japonicus is native to China, India, Japan, Nepal, and Vietnam. It is mainly produced in Sichuan and Zhejiang provinces of China, where this plant is called Chuanmaidong or Zhemaidong respectively. The tuberous root is a few centimetres long, light yellow to yellowish-brown on the outside with longitudinal creases, with a weak odour and a slightly sweet, mucilaginous taste.

1.3 Related and Substitute Species

A closely related herb, Liriopes Radix (Shanmaidong in Chinese), comes from the root of Liriope spicata (Thunb.) Lour. var. prolifera Y.T. Ma or Liriope muscari (Decne.) Baily, and is clinically used as a substitute for O. japonicus in traditional Chinese herbal medicine; it is mainly distributed in Hubei and Fujian provinces in China. According to the records of Chinese materia medica, MaiDong can be classified as Zhe MaiDong (O. japonicus in Zhejiang), Chuan MaiDong (O. japonicus in Sichuan), Duanting Shan MaiDong (Liriope muscari), and Hubei MaiDong (Liriope spicata).

1.4 Common Preparation Forms

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Ophiopogonis Radix nourishes the yin, promotes body fluid production, moistens the lung, eases the mind and clears away heart fire. It is listed as an edible Chinese medicine by the Chinese Ministry of Public Health because of its efficiency, high availability and safety.

Ophiopogon japonicus is often used in compound prescriptions, such as YiQiFuMai injection, Sheng Mai Yin, and Xuanmai granule. Sheng-Mai-San contains three herbs: Panax ginseng (red ginseng), Fructus schisandrae (Chinese herbal name: wu-wei-zi) and Radix ophiopogonis (Chinese herbal name: mai-men-dong). Outside East Asia, Ophiopogon root is increasingly sold as a stand-alone supplement or included in complex "lung support," "heart health," or "yin tonic" blends. Labels may simply say Ophiopogon, Ophiopogon japonicus, Mai Men Dong, or dwarf lilyturf root.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 China

The first mention of O. japonicus as a medicinal herb can be found in the Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic (Shennong Bencao Jing), where it is listed as a top-grade medicine. It was first recorded in the Shen Nong's Herbal Classic and has been regarded as a yin-tonifying medicine in the field of TCM. It has been historically utilised to alleviate cardiac fire, replenish yin, hydrate pulmonary tissues, and stimulate fluid secretion.

Tubers have been used as the cardinal herb for yin deficiency. According to the Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, the herb is sweet, slightly bitter, and slightly cold; it enters the heart, lung, and stomach channels; nourishes the yin of the stomach, spleen, heart, and lungs; and clears heat and quiets irritability.

The plant's roots, Ophiopogonis Radix, have long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for their nourishing properties, particularly for promoting yin, moistening the lungs, easing the mind, and dispelling heart fire. It is commonly prescribed for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular issues, as well as conditions like insomnia, dry cough, and psychological disturbances.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the root is known for "nourishing the Lungs and the Yin, nourishing the Stomach and producing Fluids, dispelling heat from the heart and calming the Spirit." The main therapeutic indications, according to the 16th edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia, concern dry coughs, sore throats, insomnia, irritability, constipation and diphtheria.

2.2 Japan and Korea

Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong in Chinese), the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, is widely used in local medicines of China, Japan and some south-eastern Asian countries. It is also a popular ornamental plant widely used for urban garden construction in East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan. The Japanese Pharmacopoeia formally lists the root as a recognised medicinal material for the indications noted above.

2.3 Classical Prescriptions and Preparations

Mai Men Dong Tang — Ophiopogon Decoction — is a classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing's Jin Gui Yao Lue for nourishing Lung and Stomach Yin and descending Rebellious Qi. The formula is built around a very large dose of Mai Men Dong, one of the most important yin-nourishing herbs in TCM, which provides the fluid base necessary for Qi to descend smoothly.

Sheng-Mai-San is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription originally invented by the ancient Chinese physician Gao Li (also known as Dongyuan Li; 1180–1251), and recent studies have shown its effectiveness in the treatment of heat-stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

Other well-known combinations include Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction) for dry cough and lung–stomach yin deficiency, Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang for chronic dry throat and cough, and Sheng Mai San, where Ophiopogon root is paired with ginseng and Schisandra to support qi, yin, and heart function.

3. Key Chemical Constituents and Established Mechanisms of Action

3.1 Principal Phytochemical Classes

Phytochemical studies have revealed various biologically active compounds, including steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids, and polysaccharides, which possess therapeutic effects against acute and chronic inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other disorders. Previous phytochemical studies have shown that O. japonicus contains steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids, polysaccharides, volatile oils, amino acids, and other components.

Numerous compounds, including steroidal saponins, homoisoflavonoids and polysaccharides, have been isolated from different parts of O. japonicus. Steroidal saponins and homoisoflavonoids, which exhibit multiple pharmacological activities, are considered the main active ingredients of O. japonicus.

3.2 Steroidal Saponins

Thus far, approximately 75 steroidal saponins have been isolated from O. japonicus. Key named active compounds include Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber-13 (DT-13), Ophiopogon-B (OP-B), Ophiopogon-D (OP-D), Liriopesides-B (LP-B), Ruscogenin (RUS), and Ophiopogon-D′ (OP-D′).

OP-D is a rare C27 steroid glycoside isolated from the tuber of Ophiopogon japonicus. It is identified as a white crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C₄₄H₇₀O₁₆ and a molecular weight of 855.07. It is soluble in methanol, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and features eight OH groups and six CH₃ groups.

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Pharmacopoeia Commission of PRC, 2015), the total saponins in O. japonicus are determined by UV spectrophotometry with ruscogenin (RUS) as the reference standard, and the content of total saponins should not be less than 0.12% (calculated as RUS).

Phytochemical investigation of the tubers of O. japonicus has led to the isolation of multiple previously undescribed steroidal saponins. Among these, certain compounds are rare naturally occurring C29 steroidal glycosides possessing a homo-cholestane skeleton with an aromatised ring E.

3.3 Homoisoflavonoids

Studies have identified 17 homoisoflavonoid compounds in O. japonicus, and compounds such as ophiopogonin B, D, and D' have shown robust cardioprotective effects, particularly in models of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced chronic heart failure (CHF). These compounds ameliorated oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and reducing MDA levels, and inflammatory markers including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly decreased, alongside inhibition of p38 MAPK activation. Homoisoflavonoid profiling and quantitative assay showed that the content and composition of specific homoisoflavonoids differed in different varieties of Maidong; for instance, Hang MaiDong contained more homoisoflavonoids such as methylophiopogonanones A and B than Chuan MaiDong.

3.4 Polysaccharides

Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides (OJPS), the principal bioactive constituents isolated from O. japonicus, demonstrate substantial physiological efficacy. OJPS is characterised by a high molecular weight, typically ranging from 2.48 to 324.7 kDa. Emerging evidence indicates that OJPS modulates the composition and structural organisation of the gut microbiota, thereby maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and enhancing both gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis. Moreover, OJPS and its metabolic derivatives engage in dynamic interactions with microbial communities, mediating cellular signalling cascades and endocrine regulation to elicit hypoglycaemic effects.

A particularly well-studied polysaccharide fraction is MDG-1, a water-soluble β-D-fructan. Ophiopogon japonicus is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat cardiovascular disease, and recent studies have confirmed the anti-ischaemic properties of MDG-1. The sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signalling pathway is involved in its cytoprotective effects. Research has explored the role of the S1P signalling pathway in the anti-ischaemic effect of MDG-1 and has found that MDG-1 promotes sphingosine kinase (SPHK) activity in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1).

3.5 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Ophiopogonin D (OP-D) is a steroidal glycoside and a chief pharmacologically active component from Radix Ophiopogon japonicus demonstrated to possess anti-oxidative, inhibition of venous thrombosis, and anti-inflammatory activities. A key anti-inflammatory mechanism of OP-D is suppression of the NF-κB signalling pathway. OP-D has also been reported to suppress angiotensin II-induced activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, VCAM-1, and TNF-α) and NF-κB nuclear translocation.

Steroidal saponins exhibit broad biological activities such as cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammation, anticancer, anti-oxidation, immunomodulation, and antitussive activity.

4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

4.1 Cardiovascular Protection

Evidence base: Predominantly animal and in vitro, with limited but notable clinical-level data via multi-herb formulas.

Considerable clinical evidence has shown that Sheng Mai Yin can be used for treatment of myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and shock. However, this evidence derives from the multi-herb formula and not from O. japonicus alone.

In addition to clinical evidence related to formulas, various experiments have confirmed that O. japonicus has anti-arrhythmia effects, inhibits platelet aggregation, reverses myocardial ischaemia, and improves microcirculation.

In animal research, the polysaccharide OJP1, extracted from the root of Ophiopogon japonicus, was studied in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial ischaemia injury model in rats. Pretreatment with OJP1 at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced ISO-induced ST-segment elevation and the heart index, attenuated the levels of marker enzymes (AST, LDH, CK and CK-MB), and significantly enhanced ATPase activities. OJP1 also enhanced the activities of SOD, GPx and CAT in serum and myocardium while decreasing the level of MDA, and biochemical and histopathological analysis confirmed alleviation of myocardial injury.

Although the cardioprotective mechanisms of OJPS have been extensively elucidated through in vitro studies, their therapeutic potential remains insufficiently characterised in vivo due to the predominant use of standardised animal models. This limitation highlights the necessity for establishing more sophisticated and clinically relevant cardiovascular disease models.

YiQiFuMai injection (YQFM) is a modern lyophilised powder preparation derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Sheng-Mai-San used for treating cardiovascular diseases, such as chronic heart failure. Sixty-five compounds in YQFM have been tentatively identified, with twenty-one compounds quantified, including three ophiopogonins, fifteen ginsenosides, and three lignans.

Strength of evidence: Weak to moderate for multi-herb formulas containing mondo grass in cardiovascular indications; the evidence for O. japonicus as a single agent in human cardiovascular disease is currently insufficient.

4.2 Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Evidence base: Predominantly in vitro and animal studies; no standalone human clinical trials identified.

Ophiopogon japonicus has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to cure acute and chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases including thrombotic diseases for thousands of years. However, the study of its biological functions has been limited largely to demonstrations of antioxidant activities in vitro, with few studies exploring the relationship between the bioactive constituents and their anti-inflammatory properties, and the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-inflammatory activities remain incompletely characterised.

Research on the aqueous extract from Liriope muscari (Lm-a), its crude saponin fraction (Lm-s) and one major component (Lm-3) evaluated anti-inflammatory activities via xylene-induced ear swelling and paw oedema induced by carrageenan or histamine in mice. The activity of Lm-3 was also examined in a leukocyte adhesion assay using human pro-myelocytic leukemia cells adhering to human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by TNF-α or PMA in vitro.

Strength of evidence: Preliminary; restricted to in vitro and rodent models. No controlled human trials have been conducted on O. japonicus alone for inflammatory conditions.

4.3 Anti-Diabetic Effects

Evidence base: Primarily animal models and mechanistic studies; no robust standalone human clinical trials identified.

Radix Ophiopogon japonicus, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been used to treat diabetes mellitus, and research has demonstrated its beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) in experimental animals.

MDG-1 from O. japonicus activates the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and improves insulin sensitivity in a diabetic KKAy mouse model. Results showed that MDG-1 (300 mg/kg) significantly decreased the levels of blood glucose, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and albumin, and significantly inhibited the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and connective tissue growth factor; MDG-1 also alleviated glomerular mesangial expansion and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic mice as confirmed by histopathological examination.

OJPS and its metabolic derivatives engage in dynamic interactions with microbial communities, mediating cellular signalling cascades and endocrine regulation to elicit hypoglycaemic effects. However, the systemic bioavailability of orally administered polysaccharides is restricted due to their high molecular weight and structural complexity, with most exerting bioactivity via gut microbial fermentation rather than direct intestinal absorption.

Strength of evidence: Preliminary and limited to animal and mechanistic studies. Translational relevance to humans has not been established in rigorous controlled trials.

4.4 Anticancer Properties

Evidence base: In vitro and animal studies reviewed by PRISMA-compliant systematic review; no direct human clinical trials on O. japonicus as an anticancer agent.

Active compounds such as ruscogenin-1-O-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)][β-d-xylopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-d-fucopyranoside (DT-13), ophiopogonin B, and ophiopogonin D exert potential anticancer effects, including the induction of cell cycle arrest, activation of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis.

Extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that O. japonicus and its active compounds exhibit potential anticancer effects in a variety of cancer cells in vitro and suppress tumour growth and metastasis without causing serious toxicity in vivo.

Isolated steroidal saponins were evaluated for cytotoxicities against two human tumour cell lines MG-63 and SNU387. Among them, five known spirostane-type glycosides showed cytotoxic activity against both cell lines with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.76 to 27.0 μM.

The traditional herb O. japonicus and its phytochemicals could be safe and reliable anticancer drug candidates, alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs — though this remains a conclusion from preclinical evidence, not from clinical trials.

Strength of evidence: Entirely preclinical (in vitro and animal). No human clinical trials on oncology endpoints for O. japonicus as a standalone agent have been identified.

4.5 Immunomodulation

Emerging evidence from systematic review suggests that OP-D possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including immune regulation, among other effects. Steroidal saponins in O. japonicus demonstrate immunomodulatory activity, as established in preclinical settings. Ginseng and O. japonicus are traditional Chinese herbal pairs clinically employed to enhance the immune system of cancer patients.

Strength of evidence: Primarily in vitro and animal; some limited indirect clinical evidence from multi-herb formula use.

4.6 Bone Protection

The inhibition of osteoclastogenesis associated with OP-D is linked to its antioxidative properties, which decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels — a critical factor in osteoclast function. Emerging evidence suggests that OP-D possesses pharmacological activities including bone protection, among its multifaceted effects.

Strength of evidence: Preclinical only; no human clinical trials on bone-related endpoints have been identified.

4.7 Respiratory and Pulmonary Effects

Mondo grass has cough-suppressing properties and is used in treating nearly all lung-related illnesses in traditional systems, including bronchitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), sore throat, laryngitis, and cough. As a traditional Chinese herb, O. japonicus is commonly used to improve immunity and nourish the lungs, thereby relieving cough.

Strength of evidence: Pharmacological plausibility exists based on preclinical anti-inflammatory and antitussive data, but no standalone controlled human clinical trials have been published on pulmonary indications.

4.8 Muscle Atrophy and Metabolic Effects

The root of O. japonicus (OJ), an edible traditional medicine, exhibits anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. A study investigated its therapeutic potential and mechanisms against muscle atrophy in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and palmitate-stimulated C2C12 myotubes. In obese mice, administration of OJ extract inhibited muscle loss, improved muscle strength, and attenuated hepatic steatosis and dyslipidaemia. OJ treatment also restored myotube diameter, increased the expression of MyHC and Myogenin, and suppressed the expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1.

Strength of evidence: Preclinical (animal and cell-based); human evidence is absent for this indication.

5. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Mondo Grass

• Cardiovascular system: Research has revealed that Ophiopogon japonicus has beneficial effects on cardiovascular diseases through various mechanisms, such as antioxidation, antiarrhythmia, and improving microcirculation.
• Respiratory system: Long-standing use in TCM for moistening the lungs and easing respiratory complaints.
• Gastrointestinal system: Described as beneficial for dry constipation and chronic atrophic gastritis, where yin deficiency affects the gastrointestinal lining.
• Endocrine/metabolic system: Pharmacological studies have reported anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and cardiovascular protective effects.
• Nervous system and mind: Prescribed for insomnia, psychological disturbances, and irritability, conditions associated in TCM with heart fire or yin deficiency.
• Gut microbiota: Ophiopogon japonicus has been extensively utilised as both a dietary supplement and a therapeutic agent to enhance human health and manage chronic diseases, primarily through modulation of the gut microbiota and maintenance of intestinal homeostasis.
• Skeletal system: Evidence emerging for bone protection, particularly via OP-D-mediated suppression of osteoclastogenesis.
• Immune system: Anti-acute myeloid leukemia and broader immunomodulatory effects have been among the areas of pharmacological attention for liriopogons, including O. japonicus.

6. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in the Literature

In the classical formula Mai Men Dong Tang, Ophiopogon root is used in a dose range of 10–70 g, functioning as the principal herb at a dose approximately seven times that of the other herbs in the formula.

In preclinical pharmacological studies, specific dose levels have been reported for isolated fractions. Pretreatment with OJP1 at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg was used to assess cardioprotection against isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischaemia injury in rats. In the MDG-1 diabetic nephropathy study, 300 mg/kg was the dose at which significant effects on blood glucose, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and albumin were observed in KKAy mice.

In genotoxicity studies, an O. japonicus decoction at doses of 3.34, 6.68, and 13.35 g/kg via oral gavage did not show inhibitory effects on the bone marrow of mice.

These dosages are stated as they appear in the cited research and relate to specific preparations used experimentally; they do not constitute validated therapeutic dosing for human use.

7. Safety Considerations

7.1 General Safety Profile

Cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-viral, anti-acute myeloid leukemia and hepatoprotective effects have been subjects of pharmacological investigation, and from a toxicological perspective, Ophiopogon japonicus seems to be safe.

Although O. japonicus is widely known as a functional food as well as a medicinal herb, the toxicity and safety evaluations for this plant remain insufficient, and only a few toxicity studies on O. japonicus decoction have been performed.

7.2 Genotoxicity Data

O. japonicus decoction showed no chromosome damage of bone marrow cells in ICR mice, and no genotoxicity in vivo with metabolic activation. Moreover, an O. japonicus decoction investigated for potential developmental toxicity in rats by evaluating maternal body weight, fetus weight and viability, incidences of fetal malformation and variation showed no obvious adverse effect.

7.3 Hemolytic Activity of Isolated Saponins

Research has reported that the steroidal saponin OP-D′ can cause hemolysis as a side effect, and unexpectedly, this side effect also appeared with OP-D. Although hemolytic effects for saponins are familiar to researchers, the hemolytic behaviour of OP-D or OP-D′ and the interactions between these two isomers are described as unique. The cytotoxicity and hemolytic properties of OP-D′ limit its druggability. In addition, OP-D as an antioxidant can also cause hemolysis in vivo. A comprehensive analysis of hemolysis and drug-drug interactions between OP-D and OP-D′ is missing, limiting assessment of the risks of medicines, functional foods, and diets containing Ophiopogon japonicus.

7.4 Herb–Drug Interactions

Studies comparing extracts of O. japonicus from different cultivation regions demonstrated that the Zhejiang variety (ZM) possesses significantly higher cytotoxicity, a stronger induction of CYP3A4 expression, and relatively weaker activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) compared to the Sichuan variety (CM). Ethanol extracts of ZM demonstrated significantly higher cytotoxicity, a relatively weaker PXR activation capability, and markedly stronger CYP3A4-inducing capacity than CM.

Maidong from different producing areas possesses different properties upon cytotoxicity and drug-metabolising enzyme-inducing effect, and attention should be paid to the selection of Maidong strains from different planting regions into TCM preparations in order to reduce potential adverse reactions and herb-drug interactions.

It has been reported that Shenmai injection (combining Panax ginseng and Ophiopogon japonicus) could inhibit the activities of hepatic CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6. This is of particular relevance when O. japonicus preparations are co-administered with drugs metabolised by these cytochrome P450 enzymes.

7.5 Adulteration and Identity Concerns

Ophiopogon japonicus is challenged by some adulterants, including 23 species and 3 varieties from the genera Ophiopogon and Liriope. It is crucial to distinguish it from superficially similar ornamentals and from other yin tonics such as Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tian Men Dong), which have related but distinct properties.

7.6 Absence of Dedicated Solo Clinical Safety Trials

So far, no clinical study has been reported on the sole use of O. japonicus. Despite its extensive use and therapeutic potential, further systematic research on its chemical constituents, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and quality control is needed to ensure the sustainable development of this valuable herb.

References

• Frontiers in Pharmacology / PMC: Advances in the study of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides: structural characterization, bioactivity and gut microbiota modulation regulation (2025)
• PubMed: Ophiopogon japonicus — A phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological review (2016)
• ScienceDirect: Ophiopogon japonicus — A phytochemical, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological review (2016)
• ScienceDirect Topics: Ophiopogon japonicus — Overview
• PMC: Ophiopogonin D: Review of pharmacological activity (2024)
• Frontiers in Pharmacology: Ophiopogonin D — Review of pharmacological activity (2024)
• ScienceDirect: Ophiopogon japonicus and its active compounds: A review of potential anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms (2023)
• PubMed: Ophiopogon japonicus and its active compounds: A review of potential anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms (2023)
• PMC: Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from the rhizome of Ophiopogon japonicus (2017)
• PMC: Ophiopogonin D of Ophiopogon japonicus ameliorates renal function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rats (2020)
• PMC: Protective effects of MDG-1, a polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus, on diabetic nephropathy in diabetic KKAy mice (2015)
• PubMed: A polysaccharide MDG-1 augments survival in the ischaemic heart by inducing S1P release and S1P1 expression (2012)
• ScienceDirect: Cardioprotective effect of the polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus on isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischaemia in rats (2020)
• PMC: Simultaneous Extraction and Determination of Characteristic Steroidal Saponins and Homoisoflavonoids in Zhejiang Ophiopogon japonicus (2022)
• PMC: Determination of Saponin Content in Hang Maidong and Chuan Maidong via HPLC-ELSD Analysis (2016)
• PMC: Quality Evaluation of Ophiopogon japonicus from Two Authentic Geographical Origins in China (2022)
• ScienceDirect: Anti-inflammatory Effects of Aqueous Extract from Radix Liriope muscari and Its Major Active Fraction and Component (2011)
• Frontiers in Pharmacology: Liriopogons (Genera Ophiopogon and Liriope, Asparagaceae): A Critical Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research (2021)
• PMC: Liriopogons (Genera Ophiopogon and Liriope, Asparagaceae): A Critical Review of the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research (2021)
• PMC: Differences in the Hemolytic Behavior of Two Isomers in Ophiopogon japonicus In Vitro and In Vivo and Their Risk Warnings (2020)
• PMC: Ophiopogon japonicus strains from different cultivation regions exhibit markedly different properties on cytotoxicity, pregnane X receptor activation and cytochrome P450 3A4 induction (2015)
• PMC: Simultaneous Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Multiple Chemical Constituents in YiQiFuMai Injection (2018)
• PMC: Analysis of Sheng-Mai-San, a Ginseng-Containing Multiple Components Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (2018)
• ScienceDirect: Steroidal saponins from the fresh tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus (2015)
• RSC Advances: Novel steroidal saponins with cytotoxic activities from the roots of Ophiopogon japonicus (2018)
• PMC: Extraction, purification, structural characterization, bioactivities, modifications and structure–activity relationship of polysaccharides from Ophiopogon japonicus: a review (2024)
• MDPI Nutrients: Ophiopogon japonicus Root Extract Attenuates Obesity-Induced Muscle Atrophy Through Regulation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway (2025)
• Wikipedia: Ophiopogon japonicus
• Encyclopedia.com: Ophiopogon
• PMC: Determination of Ruscogenin in Ophiopogonis Radix by HPLC-ELSD Coupled with Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (2016)