Evidence supporting the use of: Ophiopogon
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Ophiopogon japonicus (commonly known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM) has a long-standing traditional use for various respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions, including constipation, especially in children. In TCM, Ophiopogon is believed to "nourish yin," "moisten dryness," and thus is used in formulas to address constipation resulting from dryness or yin deficiency. Classical texts and modern TCM practice reference Mai Men Dong as part of multi-herb prescriptions to gently lubricate the intestines, soften stools, and relieve mild constipation. However, scientific studies directly investigating the efficacy of Ophiopogon japonicus for pediatric constipation are limited. Most clinical and pharmacological research has focused on its use for cough, inflammation, and cardiovascular support rather than its laxative properties. The evidence for its use in constipation management is thus primarily based on traditional texts and empirical use rather than controlled clinical trials or established pharmacological mechanisms relevant to bowel motility. As a single herb, it is rarely used alone for constipation but more often as a supportive component in broader TCM formulas. In summary, while Ophiopogon is traditionally used to support the treatment of constipation in children, robust scientific validation is currently lacking, and its use is best understood within the framework of traditional herbal medicine systems rather than modern clinical evidence.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
apple
apricot
bacillus coagulans
bamboo
basil
beet
myrobalan
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
blueberry
bасора
carrot
chamomile
chicory
cinnamon
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
coconut milk
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
cucumber
turmeric
d-sorbitol
fennel
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
grape
green banana
guar gum
cellulose
Indian tinospora
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
jujube
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus reuteri
lemon
mannitol
moringa
nettle
orange
pear
phellodendron amurense
pineapple
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prune
psyllium
pumpkin
raspberry
rhizome
slippery elm bark
sorbitol
spinach
streptococcus thermophilus
tomato
triphala
almond fruit
vegetable and fruit blend (proprietary)
seaweed
watermelon
squawvine
cascara sagrada
tangerine
atractylodes
papaya
mugwort
Indian bael
nut grass
alpinia galangal
anise
punarnava
blackboard tree
root tuber
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
polyphenols
senna
peach
indigo leaves
soursop
Agar
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
Amomum
Alexandrian senna
Aloin
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Asteracea
Arabinoxylan
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bidens pilosa
Broussonetia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Bassia scoparia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Cascaroside
Cactus
Cynomorium
Citrus
Cantaloupe
Cyclanthera pedata
Chenopodium
Curcuma
Cabbage
Chirata
Clostridium butyricum
Castor Oil
Celosia
Currant
Chondrus
Dianthrone
Date
Eclipta
Fig
Fiber
Galangal
Phosphate Salt
Rhubarb
Wheat
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Ophiopogon
Abdominal PainAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Bronchitis
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Gastritis
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Stones
Menopause
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis