Abstract: Macleaya cordata alkaloids are the functional components of Chinese veterinary medicine Macleaya cordata, and their extraction process is various. The crude extract can be obtained by traditional acid extraction and alkali sedimentation method, which is simple and easy for industrial production. The application of new methods such as liquid membrane method, internal boiling method, ultrasonic extraction technology, supercritical fluid extraction technology, subcritical fluid extraction technology, and separation and purification technologies such as new technology combined extraction method, crystallization method, chromatography, etc., has significant effects and advantages on improving the extraction rate and the extraction rate of active ingredients and obtaining high-purity active ingredients. The new Chinese veterinary drugs and medicinal feed additives developed with sanguinarine and chelidonine as the main components have remarkable effects on improving digestive tract health, enhancing body immunity, promoting growth, improving production performance and replacing antibiotics to improve animal health. In this paper, the extraction, purification, bioactivity and application of Macleaya cordata in animal breeding were reviewed in order to provide reference for deep development and further research and application of Macleaya cordata.