Can Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) lower blood sugar?

Sep 03, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can serve as an adjunct in lowering blood glucose levels. When using MJ to help regulate blood sugar, it is important to control the dosage, as excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal distension and diarrhea. Individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach or frequent loose stools should avoid using this method to regulate blood glucose, so as to prevent aggravating existing health issues. People with elevated blood sugar levels should be aware that MJ is only an auxiliary approach.

Generally speaking, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can assist in lowering blood sugar. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Ophiopogon japonicus contains components such as polysaccharides that can help regulate blood glucose levels to a certain extent. It is especially suitable for individuals with elevated blood sugar accompanied by symptoms of yin deficiency, such as dry mouth and throat, and irritability. Regular consumption of Ophiopogon japonicus by steeping in water or adding it in small amounts to food may serve as an auxiliary method for controlling blood sugar. This effect is primarily achieved by nourishing the body's yin fluids and improving metabolic status. However, this should be based on a foundation of balanced diet and regular作息 (作息 translates as "rest and activity patterns"), and cannot replace dedicated blood sugar management measures.

When using Ophiopogon japonicus to help regulate blood sugar, attention should be paid to controlling the dosage. Excessive consumption might cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal distension and diarrhea. Individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach or frequent loose stools should avoid using this method for blood sugar regulation to prevent exacerbation of physical discomfort. Those with high blood sugar should understand that Ophiopogon japonicus serves only as an adjunctive approach and must not discontinue hypoglycemic medications prescribed by a physician or abandon other standard treatment methods. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly during consumption. If abnormal fluctuations in blood sugar or physical discomfort occur, timely consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to adjust the plan accordingly.

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What are the traditional Chinese medicines for lowering blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, if it is necessary to lower blood sugar, single-herb traditional Chinese medicines can be used under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used herbs include Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), Solomonseal (Polygonatum odoratum), and Chinese wolfberry bark (Lycium chinense). In addition, individuals requiring auxiliary blood sugar regulation may also use other suitable single-herb TCMs under medical supervision. During treatment, a light diet should be maintained, with avoidance of high-sugar and high-fat foods, along with regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 habits or daily routine) and moderate exercise.

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What is Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) used for in treating chronic pharyngitis?

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) can be combined with honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua), Sterculia lychnophora (Pang Da Hai), Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu), Siraitia grosvenorii (Luo Han Guo), and Platycodon grandiflorus (Jie Geng) to assist in the management of chronic pharyngitis; combinations should be selected according to specific symptoms. Mai Dong nourishes yin, promotes body fluid production, moistens the lungs, and benefits the throat, while Jin Yin Hua clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses wind-heat. This combination is suitable for chronic pharyngitis accompanied by dryness, sore throat, and mild throat redness and swelling, addressing both yin deficiency and heat symptoms to relieve throat discomfort.

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What is incompatible with Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor)?

Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) is generally incompatible with ingredients such as coltsfoot flower (Kuan Dong Hua), black fungus, carp, crab, and radish. Consuming them together may affect drug efficacy or cause physical discomfort. Mai Dong is slightly cold in nature and primarily functions to nourish yin and moisten dryness. Kuan Dong Hua, on the other hand, is warm in nature and mainly used to warm the lungs and relieve cough. These two herbs have opposing properties; when taken together, they may counteract each other, reducing their respective therapeutic effects and preventing the desired regulatory outcomes.

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How to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for best results?

Generally speaking, there is no specific claim regarding "the best way to consume Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) for optimal effectiveness." To achieve effective results when consuming McDoor, common methods include steeping it in hot water as a tea substitute, combining it with ingredients to make soup, boiling it with grains to make porridge, preparing it with other herbs as a decoction, or taking it sublingually in its raw form. When consuming McDoor, it is important to maintain moderation, as excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold or those prone to diarrhea should reduce their consumption.