Pinellia ternata derives from the dry tubers of P. ternate (Thunb.) Breit,which is a kind of widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its therapeutic effects on vomiting,cough,tumor and so on.However,the adverse reactions are widely reported.Toxicological studies have demonstrated that P. ternate could cause the toxicity to main target organs of body.Aiming to the properties and targets of P. ternate,and based on the research of P. ternate at home and abroad,this study systematically reviews the main components,toxic components,pharmacological action,toxicity and the mechanism of P. ternate.It will elucidate the toxicity of Pinelliae Rhizoma,as well as provide theoretical basis for promoting clinical rational application of P. ternate.