To analyze and summarize the chemical constituents in Sophora flavescens

and provide some evidences for the comprehensive research and development of its resource. The previous literatures on the chemical constituents of S. flavescens were checked and then analyzed. The chemical studies were focused on the roots of this plant and the reported compounds mainly included alkaloids

flavonoids

triterpenoid saponins

lignans

phenolic acids

and etc. Among the isolated compounds

41 alkaloids and 108 flavonoids were detailedly described and their structures were presented. However

few investigations were carried out on non-medicinal aerial parts of this plant

such as the stems

leaves

flowers

fruit and seeds. The further research on the aerial parts of S. flavescens is interest of the comprehensive development of plant resources.