Ophiopogon Japonicus

Ophiopogon japonicus, commonly referred to as Mondo grass, Dwarf lilyturf, or Mai Men Dong in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a perennial evergreen plant native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives in shaded, moist environments and belongs to the Asparagaceae family. In TCM, Ophiopogon japonicus is highly valued for its ability to nourish Yin and moisten the lungs, making it effective in treating conditions related to dryness and heat, such as respiratory and gastrointestinal issues.

The plant's medicinal value is attributed to its rich composition of active compounds. Saponins, particularly ophiopogonins, are considered the primary components that provide its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects. Polysaccharides found in Ophiopogon japonicus enhance immune function and exhibit strong antioxidant properties, while sterols may contribute to cholesterol regulation and further anti-inflammatory benefits.

With a broad range of pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, Ophiopogon japonicus plays an important role in herbal formulations aimed at supporting respiratory and heart health, nourishing Yin, and improving overall well-being.

Ophiopogonin B

Ophiopogonin B (OP-B) is a significant bioactive compound derived from Ophiopogon japonicus. Notably recognized for its therapeutic properties, OP-B has been employed in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. Recent research highlights its potential as a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, suggesting its promising application as an alternative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Additionally, Ophiopogonin B shows potential in hindering the progression of gastric cancer, indicating its effectiveness as a therapeutic agent in this realm as well. The compound has demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis, mitotic catastrophe, and autophagy, alongside inhibiting adhesion, invasion, and migration of A549 cells in vitro, showcasing its multifaceted role in cancer treatment strategies.

Ophiopogonin D

Ophiopogonin D (OP-D), the predominant active compound found in Ophiopogon japonicus, is recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties. It serves as a potent antioxidant, providing protection against endothelial injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Additionally, OP-D demonstrates the capability to mitigate doxorubicin-induced autophagic cell death by alleviating mitochondrial damage, both in vitro and in vivo. This unique attribute positions OP-D as a promising candidate for the development of new therapeutic treatments for cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, Ophiopogonin D, along with spicatoside A, enhances mucin production and secretion by directly targeting airway epithelial cells, which suggests their potential role as expectorants in treating various inflammatory pulmonary diseases. Moreover, OP-D has been observed to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase.

Methylophiopogonanone A

Methylophiopogonanone A (MO-A) is a homoisoflavonoid derived from Ophiopogon japonicus, noted for its remarkable medicinal properties. It plays a significant role in cardiovascular and neurological health by reducing myocardial apoptosis and enhancing recovery in cases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. MO-A exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for cerebral I/R injury. It achieves this by mitigating blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, which it accomplishes by modulating the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and regulating tight junction proteins. These capabilities highlight MO-A's promise as a protective agent in neurovascular and cardiovascular therapies.

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