Abstract: Objective To summarize a number of reaches of Cassiae Semen that were reported at home and abroad in recent years, look for the pharmacological and toxicological characteristics, the possible material basis and potential toxicity mechanism which play a role in its efficacy-toxicity. So as to provide literature evidence and ideas for the future pharmacology and toxicology research based on traditional Chinese medicine efficacy and material basis, especially confirming the safety standard and efficacy-toxicity material basis. Methods References in old days and in the last decades both at home and abroad about Cassiae Semen were collated, analyzed and summarized. Results Early references records of toxicity about Cassiae Semen were lacking. Recent researches were confined to the isolated aspect such as pharmacology, toxicology, chemical constituents and lacked the correlations of efficacy, toxicity and material basis. Consequently, blamelessly safely using standards should be made based on efficacy and material basis, and insured its toxicity could be scientifically controlled. Only by clarifying the indications, material basis, pharmacological toxicological characteristics and effect mechanism of efficacy-toxicity could we make rational use of the maximum effect of Cassiae Semen. In order to scientifically control the toxic side effects, it is necessary to formulate a reasonable safety standard of Cassiae Semen basing on the in vivo safety limit research of efficacy-toxicity material basis. Conclusion Only by studying toxicity and safely controlling the toxic material basis during the expression of effectiveness and the separation and quality controlling of efficacy material basis, could we put forward early-warning scheme and treatment measures of adverse reaction in clinical use, so as to ensure the safe and rational use of Cassiae Semen.

Key words: Cassiae Semen, efficacy, material basis, toxicity