Evidence supporting the use of: Ophiopogon root
For the health condition: Menopause

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ophiopogon root (Ophiopogon japonicus, also known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) is primarily used in East Asian herbal traditions to support various aspects of women's health, including symptoms associated with menopause. In TCM, menopause is often seen as a result of "yin deficiency," particularly of the kidney and lung systems. Ophiopogon root is classified as a yin tonic, commonly used to nourish yin fluids, moisten dryness, and clear heat, which are believed to manifest as hot flashes, night sweats, dryness, and irritability in menopausal women. Classic TCM formulas for menopause, such as Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, sometimes include Ophiopogon root for its moistening and cooling properties.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Most evidence comes from traditional usage and small, often methodologically limited, clinical studies or animal research. There is some preliminary research indicating that Ophiopogon extract may have mild estrogenic effects and antioxidant properties, which could theoretically benefit menopausal symptoms, but robust human clinical trials are lacking. The bulk of its application for menopause remains grounded in centuries-old practice rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, its use for menopause is best described as traditional, with moderate supporting evidence within that context but insufficient scientific confirmation to fully endorse its efficacy based on contemporary clinical research.

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