Evidence supporting the use of: Ophiopogon root
For the health condition: Kidney Infection

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Ophiopogon root, also known as Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than based on robust scientific evidence for treating or supporting kidney infections. In TCM, Ophiopogon root is classified as a yin tonic, used to nourish yin fluids, moisten dryness, and clear heat, especially in contexts such as dry cough, dry mouth, and constipation. Sometimes, it is included in herbal formulas aimed at supporting kidney or urinary tract health, but its main traditional indications are for lung and stomach yin deficiencies rather than infection per se. There is some overlap in TCM theory between yin deficiency and symptoms such as those experienced in chronic kidney issues, which may explain its use in some kidney-related formulas. However, there is little to no direct evidence from modern clinical trials or pharmacological studies to support its use specifically for bacterial kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or acute urinary infections. The scientific literature mostly explores its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible mild immunomodulatory effects, but not in the context of kidney infections. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily rooted in TCM tradition, not validated by contemporary scientific research.

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