Ophiopogon, particularly Ophiopogon japonicus (known as Mai Men Dong in traditional Chinese medicine), has a long-standing historical use for treating various types of cough, including spastic (dry and irritating) coughs. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Ophiopogon is classified as a herb that nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, helping to alleviate dry coughs often associated with lung yin deficiency. This use is documented in several classical TCM texts and remains common in modern herbal formulas prescribed for chronic cough, dryness of the throat, and irritative coughs.

Scientific validation for this use is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies have suggested that extracts of Ophiopogon japonicus possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mucoprotective effects, which could theoretically help relieve cough by soothing inflamed respiratory mucosa and reducing irritation. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating its efficacy for spastic cough are lacking. Most available evidence remains preclinical or based on traditional usage rather than modern randomized controlled trials.

In summary, while Ophiopogon is traditionally used for spastic cough and there is some preliminary scientific rationale, the evidence supporting its effectiveness in this context is modest and primarily rooted in traditional practice rather than strong clinical data.