The efficacy and function of Ophiopogon japonicus

Traditional Chinese medicine requires the use of traditional Chinese medicine when treating diseases, and Ophiopogon japonicus, as one of the traditional Chinese medicines, is also frequently used. So, let’s talk about the effects and functions of Ophiopogon japonicus.

[Other name] Ophiopogon japonicus (Pharmaceutical Chemistry)

[Source] It is the tuberous root of the Liliaceae plant Ophiopogon japonicus . Most of the products are cultivated. In Zhejiang, it is harvested at the beginning of summer in the third year after cultivation, and is called "Hangzhou Ophiopogon"; in Sichuan, it is harvested after Qingming Festival in the second year of cultivation, and is called "Sichuan Ophiopogon". Wild Ophiopogon japonicus is usually dug after the Qingming Festival and is commonly known as "wild Ophiopogon japonicus". After digging up Ophiopogon japonicus, cut off the tubers, wash off the soil, expose them to the sun for 3 to 4 days, pile them in a ventilated place to allow moisture to evaporate. After about 3 days, spread them out and expose them to the sun again. Repeat this 2 to 3 times. After drying, remove all impurities from the roots.

[Original form] Grass along the steps (Jiangxi Tongzhi), also known as: sheep leek, horse leek, sheep shepherd's purse, love leek, Yu leek, Renling, immortal medicine, Pulei, Suizhi (Wu Pu Materia Medica), sheep leek, Yu Jia (Bielu), grass in front of the steps (Compendium of Materia Medica), book belt grass, Xiudun grass (Qunfangpu), horse dung grass, home edge grass, leek leaf Ophiopogon japonicus.

[Habitat distribution] It grows on the banks of streams or under woods on hillsides. It is distributed or cultivated in most parts of the country. Mainly produced in Zhejiang and Sichuan. In addition, it is also produced in Jiangsu, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and other places, but most of them are wild and few are cultivated.

【Properties】 ① Ophiopogon japonicus

[Chemical composition] The root tubers of Oleander contain a variety of steroidal saponins, the aglycone of which is roskogenin; it also contains β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside. The fruit contains kaempferol glycoside, which is kaempferol-3-glucogalactoside.

【Pharmacological action】 ①Effect on blood sugar

[Processing] Ophiopogon japonicus: Pick out impurities, soak in water, take out, soak thoroughly, remove the core, then wash and dry. Red Ophiopogon japonicus: Remove the core of Ophiopogon japonicus, place it in a pot and spray a little water to moisten it, add cinnabar powder, sprinkle it evenly, and turn it over from time to time until the outside of the Ophiopogon japonicus is evenly covered with cinnabar, then take it out and let it dry. (For every 10 jin of Radix Ophiopogonis, use 3 liang of cinnabar)

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, slightly bitter, cold.

[entry into meridians] Enters the lung, stomach and heart meridians.

[Functions and indications] Nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, clears the heart and relieves restlessness, benefits the stomach and produces body fluids. It is used to treat dry cough due to lung dryness, vomiting blood, hemoptysis, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung abscess, fatigue, restlessness, thirst, loss of body fluid due to febrile disease, dry throat and mouth, and constipation.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 2 to 4 qian; or made into pills or powder.

[Note] Those with spleen and stomach deficiency, diarrhea, phlegm and dampness in the stomach, and cough caused by sudden cold should not take this medicine.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat dryness damaging the yin of the lung and stomach, or fever or cough: 3 qian of Adenophora Root, 3 qian of Ophiopogon japonicus, 2 qian of Polygonatum odoratum, 1 qian of raw licorice, 1.5 qian of winter mulberry leaves, 1.5 qian of Phaseolus Bean, and 1.5 qian of Pollen. Boil five cups of water and take out two cups, take it twice a day. (Adenophora and Ophiopogon Decoction from Treatise on Febrile Diseases)

[Note] In addition, the Ophiopogon japonicus used in Tibet is the tuberous root of the Liliaceae plant Ophiopogon japonicus.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Shennong's Herbal Classic".

Above we introduced what Ophiopogon japonicus is, and we also learned about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Ophiopogon japonicus. We know that the effects of Ophiopogon japonicus are very powerful, and everyone can eat some Ophiopogon japonicus for health preservation.