Can patients with advanced liver cancer take Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong)?

Apr 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Terminal-stage liver cancer patients may consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) under the guidance of a professional physician, but should pay attention to moderate consumption. Terminal-stage liver cancer patients often experience symptoms of Qi and Yin deficiency, such as dry mouth, sore throat, and tongue dryness, due to prolonged illness depleting vital energy and Yin essence, leading to patterns such as dual deficiency of Qi and Yin or Yin deficiency of the liver and kidney. Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. It can nourish Yin and moisten the lungs, clear the heart and relieve irritability, and benefit the stomach to promote body fluid production, thus helping to alleviate these Yin-deficiency symptoms.

Generally, patients with advanced liver cancer can consume Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) under the guidance of a professional physician, but they should be cautious about consuming it in moderation. The specific analysis is as follows:

Patients with advanced liver cancer often experience symptoms of deficiency in both Qi and Yin, such as thirst, dry throat, and dry tongue, due to prolonged illness depleting Qi and Yin essence, including Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency. Ophiopogon japonicus is slightly cold in nature, sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and acts on the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. It can nourish Yin, moisten the lungs, clear the heart, relieve irritability, benefit the stomach, and promote body fluid production, thus helping to alleviate these Yin deficiency symptoms.

Ophiopogon polysaccharides have immune-enhancing effects and may assist in fighting cancer by increasing the number of T lymphocytes, thereby enhancing the body's immunity. For patients with advanced liver cancer, this can help improve physical resistance against tumor-related depletion. Ophiopogon japonicus can protect the liver by promoting the recovery of pancreatic cell function, increasing liver glycogen, and regulating insulin secretion.

However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid discomfort such as abdominal pain and bloating caused by excessive intake. Comprehensive treatment for advanced liver cancer requires consideration of multiple factors, with Ophiopogon japonicus being only one part of it. Patients should follow the guidance of professional physicians and integrate other treatment methods, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, into a comprehensive treatment plan.

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Can liver cancer cause cirrhosis?

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Can patients with liver cancer eat cantaloupe?

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Is sea cucumber suitable for liver cancer patients?

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