Phytolacca acinosa is a traditional Chinese medicine for expelling water by purgation，which is recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.The medicinal part of Phytolacca acinosa is the root，which has pharmacological activities such as diuresis and purgation，anti-inflammatory，anti-tumor，dispelling phlegm，and relieving cough and asthma.Phytolacca acinosa is mainly used to treat nephritis，cirrhosis ascites，hyperplasia of mammary gland，psoriasis and other diseases.This paper summarizes the pharmacological effects of phytolacca acinosa extract and its chemical components.It provides support and reference for further research and rational development and utilization of Phytolacca acinosa in the future.