RESUMO
Paris polyphylla, the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla Smith Var.yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand-Mazz.or Paris polyphylla Smith Var.chinensis (Franch.) Hara, has been commonly used as a traditional Chinese folk medicine for thousands of years.The extensive pharmacological studies indicated that steroidal saponins had multiple pharmacological activities, such as potential anticancer activity, antibacterial, antivirus, hemostasis, sedative activity, protecting cardiovascular and liver tissues.Obviously, the studies on steroidal saponins activity are very important in the development and clinical application of the potential new drug.The recent research advances in the pharmacological activities of Paris polyphylla reported in the paper could provide reference for the further utilization of Paris polyphylla.