Mondo grass

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass or Mai Men Dong) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb used for cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, and as a yin-nourishing tonic. Contains steroidal saponins and polysaccharides. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is mostly preclinical or in combination formulas. Traditional use includes dry cough, thirst, and heart palpitations. Not commonly available as a standalone Western supplement. Safety and efficacy in humans not well-characterized independently.

Quick Answer

What it is

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mondo Grass or Mai Men Dong) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb used for cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, and as a yin-nourishing tonic. Contains steroidal saponins and polysaccharides.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Grade D: Cardiovascular Protection
  • Grade D: Immune Function

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Mondo grass

Quick Facts: Mondo grass

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
2 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
In preclinical models, Ophiopogon japonicus extracts (particularly steroidal saponins like ruscogenin and homoisoflavonoids) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. No human trials on the isolated herb have confirmed these findings.
3 studies
smallWorsens
D
Immune Function
In vitro and animal studies show that Ophiopogon polysaccharides (ophiopogonans) possess immunomodulatory activity. Human evidence is absent for the isolated herb; most clinical use occurs within multi-herb TCM formulas.
2 studies
smallImproves
D
Cardiovascular Protection
Animal models suggest cardioprotective effects from Ophiopogon japonicus saponins. Traditional use includes heart palpitations, but no controlled human studies on the isolated herb have validated cardiovascular benefits.
2 studies
smallImproves
D
Antioxidant Status
Preclinical research indicates antioxidant activity from Ophiopogon japonicus homoisoflavonoids and saponins in in vitro assays. No human data exists for isolated supplementation effects on antioxidant status.
2 studies
smallImproves

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