Evidence supporting the use of: Ophiopogon
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

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

Ophiopogon japonicus (commonly known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM) has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. It is traditionally used for nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and clearing heat, as well as for conditions described as "deficiency of yin" and "dryness." In the context of heart health, Ophiopogon is a key ingredient in the traditional Chinese formula Sheng Mai San, which is prescribed for symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue—symptoms that can overlap with congestive heart failure (CHF). The rationale in TCM is not based on the Western biomedical concept of CHF, but rather on the idea of strengthening "qi" and nourishing "yin" to support the heart and lungs. There is some preclinical research suggesting Ophiopogon extracts may have cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, but robust clinical trials in humans with CHF are lacking. Most of the scientific studies are limited to animal models or in vitro experiments, and their relevance to human CHF remains unproven. Therefore, while its use for heart-related symptoms is well-documented in traditional medical systems, current scientific evidence does not robustly validate its efficacy for congestive heart failure. Ophiopogon remains primarily a traditional remedy for this indication, with limited scientific support.

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