Alkaloids are the main biologically active compounds in Pinellia ternata with the ability to prevent vomiting and the effects of analgesic,expectorant,antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammation.They also can resist cancer and Parkinson's disease.In the paper,the detection,metabolism regulation,and pharmacological effects of alkaloids based on researches in last five years were summarized and future research directions were prospected to provide reference for exploitation of Pinelliaternata alkaloids.