Quick Summary

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly known as Ophiopogon, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with reported anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory effects. Preclinical studies suggest it may attenuate obesity-induced muscle atrophy via modulation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR/FoxO3a signaling and regulate lipid metabolism. Network pharmacology implicates multiple pathways including PI3K-Akt in its potential effects. Clinically, Ophiopogon is a component of formulations used in various traditional Chinese medicine therapies, but specific high-quality human clinical evidence on its standalone effects remains limited. Overall, evidence is preliminary, and further high-quality clinical research is needed.

What Is It?

Ophiopogon japonicus is a herbaceous perennial plant native to East Asia. It is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is recognized for its tuberous roots. The plant is typically harvested and prepared as a dried root extract for medicinal purposes.

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, Ophiopogon is used as one of the components in herbal formulas aimed at supporting cardiovascular health, respiratory conditions, metabolic balance, and immune function. It is commonly included in multi-herb preparations to potentially help with symptoms related to inflammation, tissue health, and energy balance.

Active Compounds

Ophiopogon contains several bioactive compounds, including steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, and other phytochemicals that may contribute to its proposed biological effects. These compounds are thought to influence cell signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt, which are involved in metabolism and immune regulation.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Attenuation of obesity-induced muscle atrophy: Animal and in vitro studies indicate that Ophiopogon japonicus root extract may improve muscle mass and strength by modulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/FoxO3a signaling pathway, based on data from obese mice and muscle cell cultures (PMID: 41470891).
  • Potential regulation of immune function and inflammatory responses: Network pharmacology and preclinical research suggest active components of Ophiopogon, as part of Shenmai injection, target immune-related pathways including PI3K-Akt signaling relevant to conditions such as granulocytopenia (PMID: 37335746).
  • Adjunctive role in traditional Chinese medicine formulations: Clinical and systematic reviews of multi-herb formulations containing Ophiopogon report potential improvements in cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases; however, evidence specific to isolated Ophiopogon effects remains lacking.

Side Effects

No specific side effects or serious adverse reactions have been directly linked to Ophiopogon japonicus in clinical studies. Most safety information arises from its use within multi-herb formulas, where no significant increase in adverse events has been noted. Nevertheless, dedicated safety evaluations of Ophiopogon alone are limited.

Drug Interactions

There is no direct evidence regarding drug interactions with Ophiopogon japonicus based on current data. Caution is advised when combining with prescription medications due to limited interaction studies.

Who Should Avoid It

Specific contraindications have not been identified. However, use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not supported by available evidence, and therefore caution is recommended. Individuals with underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.

Evidence Limitations

  • Most clinical evidence involves multi-herb formulations that include Ophiopogon, without isolating its specific effects.
  • High-quality randomized controlled trials on isolated Ophiopogon japonicus in humans are lacking.
  • Existing human studies often have methodological limitations and small sample sizes.
  • Safety data specific to Ophiopogon is insufficient and largely inferred from complex herbal mixtures.
  • Mechanistic and efficacy data mainly originate from animal and in vitro studies, limiting applicability to humans.

References

  • Wang Y, Shao H, Lyu C, et al. (2025). Ophiopogon japonicus Root Extract Attenuates Obesity-Induced Muscle Atrophy Through Regulation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/FoxO3a Signaling Pathway and Lipid Metabolism in Mice and C2C12 Myotubes. Nutrients. PMID: 41470891. DOI: 10.3390/nu17243946.
  • Hou X, Chen D, Wang Y, et al. (2023). Network analysis to explore the pharmacological mechanism of Shenmai injection in treating granulocytopenia and evidence-based medicine approach validation. Medicine (Baltimore). PMID: 37335746. DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033825.

Last Reviewed

April 2024

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications.