ObjectiveTo review the recent research progress about the pathogenesis and prevention of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). MethodsSearched the related literatures in recent years from the databases such as CNKI, PubMed and so on, summarized the recent research progress about the generation mechanism of ROS, the damage mechanism of ROS, and the prevention method of ROS. ResultsA mass of ROS originated from polymorphonuclear leukocytes, Kupffer cells, mitochondria, and the enzymes in hepatic tissue in HIRI. It mainly destroyed sugar molecules of oligosaccharide chains on the cell membrane, unsaturated fatty acid, protein molecules, mitochondrial, and genetic material. This mechanism lead to cell injuried or even death. The main method of prevention and cure to HIRI is eliminating ROS by using enzymes, vitamins, Chinese herbal medicines etc. ConclusionsThe research about ROS in HIRI has advanced. Aiming at the damage resulted from ROS in the liver, Scholars have came up with a variety of control methods which is feasible. However, many issues need to be further investigated.