Synopsis

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

Ophiopogon root (Ophiopogon japonicus), known as Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine, particularly for nourishing yin, moistening the lungs, and calming the spirit (Shen). In TCM theory, insomnia is often attributed to underlying imbalances such as yin deficiency, and Ophiopogon root is believed to help restore this balance, thereby supporting restful sleep. Classical texts and modern TCM practitioners frequently include Mai Men Dong in formulas aimed at treating sleep disturbances, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, irritability, or night sweats. However, despite its widespread traditional use, scientific validation specifically for insomnia is limited. There are few modern clinical studies directly investigating the sedative or sleep-promoting effects of Ophiopogon root in humans. Some preclinical studies suggest that Ophiopogon extracts may have mild neuroprotective or stress-reducing effects, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to sleep. The majority of its reputation for treating insomnia comes from centuries of empirical use within the context of TCM rather than robust clinical trials. Therefore, while Ophiopogon root is traditionally used for insomnia, the scientific evidence to support its efficacy for this specific indication remains weak.

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