Background Plenty of studies have indicated that sevoflurane is a new inhalation anesthetic with more satisfying properties:low blood partition coefficient that allows rapid induction, easy-controlled depth, fewer side effects to liver and kidney as well as stability of haemodynamics. Especially its aromatic flavour makes sevoflurane more widely used in pediatric anesthesia. To know the effect of sevoflurane on the developing brain can make the anesthesiologists more proficient .Objective We reviewed previous literature and integrated the latest research progress to deeply analyze and summarise the effects of sevoflurane on the developing brain. Content Researches of the effect of sevoflurane on the developing brain have amassed. Due to the limitations of clinical trials, most of the studies were carried out in experimental animals. Whether sevoflurane is neuroprotective or neurotoxic on the developing brain is still controversial,let alone of the complicated molecular mechanism. Trend While the exact way by which sevoflurane affords protection or toxicity has penetrated into molecular mechanism. Diversity of pleiotropic intracellular signalling, ligand-gated ion channels and release of neurotransmitters increases the complexity of the present issue.Therefore, further researches are urgent.