Objective To detect the efficacy of compound matrine combined with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods A total of 96 patients with locally advanced NPC were randomized into compound matrine combined with IMRT group (the therapeutic group) (n =48) and IMRT group (control group) (n =48). The nasopharyngeal DT and lymph nodes Dr were 66-78 Gy/(33-39 f) in 6-8 weeks, 60-70 Gy/(30-35 f) in 6-8 weeks, respectively. The prophylactic dose of neck was 50-54 Gy. Results The NPC efficacy of the therapeutic group was 93.8 %(45/48) and control group was 79.2 % (38/48). There was significant difference between the two groups in curative effect (P <0.05). The lymph nodes efficacy of the therapeutic group was 87.5 % (44/48) and control group was 75.0 % (30/48). There was significant difference between the two groups in curative effect (P <0.05). The side effects of mucosa were fewer in therapeutic group while the infection rate of pharynx oralis was higher in control group (P <0.01). Conclusion Compound matrine combined injection can improve shortterm curative effect of IMRT of locally advanced NPC and significantly decreased side effect of radiotherapy. Key words: SOPHORA FLAVESCENS; Radiotherapy, computer-assisted; Nasopharyngeal neoplasms