modified maimendong decoction

Modified Maimendong Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula based on the classical prescription "Mai Men Dong Tang" (Maimendong Decoction), with modifications to suit specific clinical needs. The core formula typically contains six herbs: Ophiopogon japonicus (ophiopogonis), Pinellia ternata (pinellia), Panax ginseng (ginseng), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (glycyrrhiza/licorice root), Ziziphus jujuba (jujube date), and Oryza sativa (polished rice). Modifications may include additions or substitutions such as American ginseng for enhanced yin-nourishing effects or other herbs tailored to symptom severity[2][4][6]. The decoction is primarily used for conditions characterized by qi and yin deficiency, especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other chronic respiratory diseases. Its proposed mechanisms of action include reducing inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting pro-fibrotic factors and oxidative stress, promoting differentiation and homing of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, enhancing cell autophagy activity, nourishing lung/stomach yin, moistening dryness, clearing heat from deficiency patterns in TCM theory[2][4][8]. Modern studies suggest it can improve pulmonary function with fewer side effects when combined with Western medicines like pirfenidone[1][2].

Other names

MMDModified Mai Men Dong TangModified Ophiopogon Decoction