Abstract: Objective By combing pertinent literature and summarizing the current states of chemical compositions of Asarum related with its efficacy and toxicity, identify its effective and toxic composition, and offer the accordance and research ideas for further research on the relationship among efficacy, toxicity and chemical composition of Asarum . Methods The related references in recent 30 years both at home and abroad about Asarum were analyzed, collated and summarized. Results Volatile oil、non -volatile oil and the aristolochinc acid compounds are the main chemical compositions of . Methyl eugenol from volatile oil is the main effective material basis and aristolochic acid I is the main toxic material basis. Conclusion The research on the chemical composition of Asarum should be laied stress on the connection with efficacy and toxicity, and the similarities and differences between the effective material basis and the toxical material basis should be paid attention to, so as to analyze the effective essence differences based on material basis. In addition, we should lay emphasis on the effective and toxic material basis on the background of syndrome by combining "treatment based on syndrome differentiation" and "treatment treatment based on disease differentiation" in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Key words: Asarum , efficacy, toxicity, chemical composition