By investigating the functions written in Maidong [Radix Ophiopogonis

麦冬]in ancient herbal medicine literature

ancient prescriptions and Chinese pharmacopoeia（ Volume 1

2010 Edition）

the authors confirm that the core functions of the herb in ancient herbal medicine literature and its application in ancient prescriptions are basically in accordance with Chinese pharmacopoeia record. However

some potential functions summed up from the ancient herbal medicine and literature and some diseases treated by ancient Maidong-containing compounds are not included in Chinese pharmacopoeia. The potential functions summed up from the ancient herbal medicine include clearing-heat and purging-fire

removing toxicity for eliminating carbuncles

retaining youthful looks

improving appetite and promoting digestion

benefiting kidney-essence and improving sperm viability

as well as relieving pain. The diseases treated by ancient Maidong-containing compounds are fever

typhoid fever

ulcers

deficiency syndrome

vomiting

stroke

distention and fullness

as well as headache. Combining with experimental studies and current clinical application

the authors confirm that

the potential functions of Maidong also include retaining youthful looks

soothing liver to subside interior wind

dispersing distention and fullness

clearing-heat and purging-fire

along with benefiting kidney-essence and improving sperm viability.