Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals : Chinese Herbs – Mai Dong or Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)

Monday 4 November 2013

Chinese Herbs – Mai Dong or Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)

Mai Dong or Mai Men Dong is also known as Ophiopogon tuber. The sweet and slightly bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM as anti-arrhythmia, Anti shock, anti bacterial agent and improve contraction of heart muscles, and improves toleration of lack of oxygen, protect heart muscle, enhance immune system, lower blood sugar, etc., as it moistens the Lung and Lung-Yin, benefits the Stomach, promotes generation of Body Fluids, clears the Heart, calms restlessness and anxiety, etc., by enhancing the functions of hear, lung and stomach channels.

Ingredients
1. Beta-sitosterol(major)
2. Stigmasterol(minor)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (glycoside I),
3. 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-beta-D-fucopyranosido-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside (glycoside II), 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1—-2)-beta-D-xylopyranoside (glycoside III) and
4. 25(S)-ruscogenin 1-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1----2)] [beta-D-xylopyra-nosyl(1----3)]-beta-D-fucopyranoside (glycoside IV)(1)
5. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hemodynamic effects
In the study to investigate the effects of water soluble extract of Liriope spicata on acute hemodynamics were studied in anesthetized cats, showed that LV dp/dt max was increased by 87%, whereas t-dp/dt max was shortened by 28% after administration of WSEL (1.75 g/kg, iv). At the same time CO, CI, SI, and SVWI were increased by 146, 151, 153, and 194%, respectively. HR was declined slightly. SVR was reduced by about 48%. WSEL (0.7 g/kg, iv) induced an increase of 38% in LV dp/dt max, 44% in CO, 50% in SI and a decrease of 20% in t-dp/dt max and 20% in SVR. Preliminary results indicated that WSEL increased ventricular contractile force and might increase cardiac pump function(2).
2. Immune function
In the comparative study on the immune function of the tuberous root of Liriope spicata var. prolifera and Ophiopogon japonicus, showed that the aqueous extract of both species mentioned above could increase obviously the spleen weight (immunity organ) of mice, enhance the clearance rate of iv charcoal particles in mice and antagonize remarkably the leukopenia caused by cyclophosphamide(3).
3. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Not not use the herb in case of diarrhea as a result of cold due to deficiency or fuild retention
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3.Do not use in cases of cough due to Wind-Cold or Damp-Phlegm
4. Etc.