Evidence supporting the use of: Ophiopogon root
For the health condition: Kidney Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Ophiopogon root, also known as Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus), is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than based on robust scientific evidence for treating or supporting kidney infections. In TCM, Ophiopogon root is classified as a yin tonic, used to nourish yin fluids, moisten dryness, and clear heat, especially in contexts such as dry cough, dry mouth, and constipation. Sometimes, it is included in herbal formulas aimed at supporting kidney or urinary tract health, but its main traditional indications are for lung and stomach yin deficiencies rather than infection per se. There is some overlap in TCM theory between yin deficiency and symptoms such as those experienced in chronic kidney issues, which may explain its use in some kidney-related formulas. However, there is little to no direct evidence from modern clinical trials or pharmacological studies to support its use specifically for bacterial kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or acute urinary infections. The scientific literature mostly explores its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and possible mild immunomodulatory effects, but not in the context of kidney infections. Thus, its use for this purpose is primarily rooted in TCM tradition, not validated by contemporary scientific research.
Other ingredients used for Kidney Infection
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lophatherum leaf
marshmallow
methenamine
ophiopogon root
reishi mushroom
slippery elm bark
sarsaparilla
clerodendrum indicum
goldenrod
myrrh
juniper berries
cornsilk
buchu
couch grass
hydrangea
cleavers
geranium
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Angelica
Arbutin
Achyranthes
Anamu
American Liverleaf
Adzuki bean
Alisma
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Barleria
Berberis (unspecified)
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black Nightshade
Black root
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cynodon dactylon
Clerodendrum indicum
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Euphorbia
Embelia
Little ironweed
Mallow
Other health conditions supported by ophiopogon root
AsthmaBronchitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestive Heart Failure
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Fatigue
Gastritis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Insomnia
Kidney Infection
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Night Sweating
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Urinary Tract Infections
Worry
Wounds and Sores