Modern research progress on extraction and purification, pharmacological activity, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and carrier new dosage forms of ophiopogonin

Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl. (OJ, called Maidong in China) is a traditional medicinal plant utilized as a tonic agent in various ethnomedical systems across East Asia, especially in China. With the advancement of research on OJ, the pharmacological activity of its primary active ingredient saponins has been increasingly recognized. Due to their different chemical structures, these saponins exhibit varying chemical properties and pharmacological activities. Ophiopogonin (OP), one of these saponins, demonstrates a range of pharmacological activities, including cardioprotection, anti-cancer effects, anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activity, bone damage repair, and regulation of intestinal flora. Furthermore, OP can be incorporated into drug carriers to enhance their potential efficacy. This paper reviews the research progress of extraction and purification methods, pharmacological activity, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and new carrier formulations of OP, providing a foundation for further research into ophiopogonin.