Ophiopogon root (Ophiopogon japonicus), also known as Mai Men Dong in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a long-standing history of use for supporting the health of mucus membranes, particularly those of the respiratory and digestive tracts. In TCM, it is believed to "nourish Yin" and "moisten dryness," making it a common remedy for conditions characterized by dryness of the mouth, throat, or lungs, such as dry cough, dry throat, and constipation caused by dryness. Texts like the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) and subsequent TCM literature cite its use for these purposes.

While some modern pharmacological studies have explored Ophiopogon root’s bioactive compounds—such as steroidal saponins and homoisoflavonoids—and reported anti-inflammatory and protective effects on mucosal tissues in animal models, these findings are preliminary and do not constitute robust clinical evidence. There are very few, if any, well-controlled human clinical trials that specifically validate its efficacy for mucus membrane health by Western scientific standards. Therefore, the main support for its use in this body system comes from extensive traditional usage and historical documentation rather than strong modern scientific validation.