The authors introduced the research progress and strategy in the toxicity of Dioscoreae bulbifera rhizome with the main bioactivity of antitumor action by looking through the related information and references

further analyzing and reviewing them.Previous studies showed that D.bulbifera rhizome could induce toxicity

especially for hepatotoxicity.However

up to now

the toxic chemical components are still not clear.The relationship between the antitumor active and toxic components and the mechanisms are not known

too.Therefore

we should carry out further studies on mechanism-based antitumor action and toxicity of the D.bulbifera rhizome

to determine the safe and effective therapeutic window

and even to explore detoxification and enhancement actions by combination with other medicines so as to ensure its safety and validity in clinic application.Besides

the present paper may also provide the research guidance in thoughts for other toxic Chinese medicine.