Ophiopogon Japonicus Extract
Also known as: Mai Men Dong, dwarf lilyturf tuber, Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker Gawl., Ophiopogon japonicus
Overview
Ophiopogon japonicus extract is derived primarily from the tuber of the plant, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is rich in bioactive compounds, including water-soluble β-D-fructans (such as MDG-1), saponins, and other phytochemicals. Traditionally, it has been used for its purported benefits in cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune support. Modern research suggests its potential applications include cardioprotection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. While its molecular mechanisms are increasingly characterized, the evidence base is largely preclinical, with a limited number of high-quality clinical trials. The extract is typically consumed orally in various forms, reflecting its long history of use in traditional medicine systems.
Benefits
Ophiopogon japonicus extract offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research: - **Cardiovascular Protection:** Strong preclinical evidence, particularly for the polysaccharide MDG-1, shows protection against myocardial ischemia and injury in animal models. It reduces oxidative stress, improves microcirculation, and inhibits platelet aggregation. For instance, MDG-1 (100-300 mg/kg in rats) enhanced sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling, promoting cardiomyocyte survival and angiogenesis via Akt and ERK pathways. This suggests a significant role in heart health, though human trials are needed. - **Antioxidant Activity:** Polysaccharides from O. japonicus exhibit potent antioxidant properties, effectively scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative damage. This contributes to its potential in preventing chronic diseases and enhancing immune function, as demonstrated in in vitro studies. - **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** Aqueous extracts have shown anti-inflammatory activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, human data supporting this benefit are currently sparse. - **Anticancer Potential:** Review evidence indicates that O. japonicus and its compounds can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of various cancer cell lines in vitro and reduce tumor growth in animal models. This effect is thought to be mediated by modulating apoptosis and immune responses, but human clinical trials are absent.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Ophiopogon japonicus extract are attributed to its diverse bioactive compounds, primarily polysaccharides and saponins. Its cardioprotective actions are largely mediated by the activation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), which increases sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling. This, in turn, triggers downstream phosphorylation of Akt and ERK pathways, promoting cell survival and angiogenesis. The extract's antioxidant effects stem from its polysaccharides, which directly scavenge reactive oxygen species and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of immune cell activity. For its anticancer potential, the extract induces apoptosis, inhibits tumor cell proliferation, and suppresses metastasis-related pathways. While polysaccharides show good bioavailability in experimental models, human pharmacokinetics require further investigation.
Side effects
Ophiopogon japonicus extract is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use and findings from animal studies. However, comprehensive clinical data on side effects in humans are limited. Common side effects are not well-documented in clinical trials, and preclinical studies have not reported significant adverse effects at the tested doses. Rare instances of allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, but systematic documentation is lacking. There are no major established drug interactions or contraindications. Nevertheless, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant medications due to the extract's potential effects on platelet aggregation. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and therefore, its use in these populations is not recommended without medical supervision. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing health conditions or those on medication should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Standardized clinical dosing guidelines for Ophiopogon japonicus extract are not well-established due to the limited availability of robust human randomized controlled trial data. In animal studies, polysaccharide extracts have been used at doses ranging from 100-300 mg/kg for cardioprotective effects. It is important to note that human equivalent doses would typically be significantly lower than those used in animal models and require rigorous clinical validation. In traditional medicine, the extract is commonly administered orally as powders, capsules, or decoctions. The optimal dosage, timing of administration, and specific formulation for various health purposes in humans are still subjects of ongoing research. Without more comprehensive clinical data, it is difficult to provide precise recommendations for human use. Users should adhere to product-specific instructions or consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Ophiopogon japonicus extract effective for heart disease?
Preclinical evidence strongly supports its cardioprotective effects, particularly for the polysaccharide MDG-1. However, robust human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm these benefits in people.
Is Ophiopogon japonicus extract safe?
It is generally considered safe based on traditional use and animal studies, with minimal side effects reported. However, comprehensive human safety data are limited, and caution is advised, especially for pregnant/lactating individuals or those on anticoagulants.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Animal studies suggest effects can be observed within days to weeks. However, human data on the onset of benefits are insufficient, and individual responses may vary.
Can Ophiopogon japonicus extract be combined with other herbs?
In traditional Chinese medicine, Ophiopogon japonicus is often used in combination with other herbs. However, specific interactions and their effects are not well-studied in a modern scientific context, so caution is advised.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11610408/ – This review, incorporating preclinical data, highlights that the MDG-1 polysaccharide from Ophiopogon japonicus protects cardiomyocytes via the S1P-Akt-ERK pathway, improving myocardial injury markers in animal models. The study provides well-characterized mechanistic insights but notes the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1183096/full – This experimental study focused on the extraction and characterization of polysaccharides from Ophiopogon japonicus, demonstrating their antioxidant and prebiotic activities in vitro. While providing valuable biochemical insights, it lacks clinical data on human outcomes.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36854203/ – This systematic review compiled evidence from various in vitro and animal cancer models, concluding that compounds from Ophiopogon japonicus exhibit anticancer effects by inhibiting proliferation and metastasis. The review is comprehensive but emphasizes that the evidence is primarily preclinical, with no human clinical trials.
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/28/7/28_7_1234/_article – This experimental study, conducted in animal and in vitro settings, demonstrated that an aqueous extract of Ophiopogon japonicus reduces markers of inflammation. The findings suggest anti-inflammatory potential, but the study is limited by the lack of human data.
