Abstract: Objective To identify its effective and toxical composition, offer the accordance and study ideas for further research on the relationship between efficacy, toxicity and material foundation of Sophora tonkinensis, by summarizing the current states of material foundation of Sophora tonkinensis related with its efficacy and toxicity. Methods The published references of Sophora tonkinensis were collected, analysised and summarized in the recent 30 years. Results The obvious toxicial effects have been reported of Sophora tonkinensis in Pharmacopoeia and current references, although there is no obvious toxicial effects have been recorded in angent books, such as<Shen nong Ben Cao Jing>,<Ben Cao gang mu>et. The main toxical systems and signs were nausea, diarrhea, chest distress and cardiopalmus. The chemical material foundation, process in vivo, characters and mechanism of toxical effect even though the dosage ranges of efficacy and toxicity have not been reported yet, and investgated regularly. Conclusion There is little perfect study reports of Sophora tonkinensis related to its toxicity, especially the toxicial study based on the efficacy and material foundation. It's urgent that the toxicity of Sophora tonkinensis related to the characteristics of TCM to be identified correctly and studied scientifically in order to provide experimental data, investgating ideas and evidences for the good use in clinic.

Key words: Sophora tonkinensis, efficacy, material base, toxicity