Abstract: China soapberry(Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) is a rare and widely used natural resource. The molecular structures of sapindus saponin and hederagenin, which are the active ingredients in China soapberry, are briefly introduced. The biological activities of them in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antitumor, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, inhibiting xanthine oxidase activity and improving meat quality are analyzed in detail. At the same time, the similarities and differences of biological activities between them are compared. Then the causes, so as to provide the basis for the rational use of China soapberry are speculated.