This article reviews the studies of the anti-tumour actions of alkaloids in Radix Sophorae Flavescentis (Kushen). Recently

it has been demonstrated that matrine in Kushen does not only have inhibitory actions on tumour proliferation and transfer

but can also induce apoptosis in tumour cells. In general

many studies suggest that matrine may have unique mechanism in combating tumour growth which may become a useful treatment for tumours.