The early Toarcian oceanic anoxic event (T-OAE) is characterized by major changes in the marine and terrestrial environments, which is possibly related to the accelerated hydrological cycle. However, the impact of hydrological cycling on continental vegetation is poorly constrained. Here, we present biomarker evidence that suggests an accelerated hydrological cycle during the Toarcian carbon-isotope excursion (T-CIE), leading to enhanced transport of land plant organic matter to shelf seas. The C27/C29 sterane ratios exhibit a general decreasing trend across the T-OAE, which is accompanied by increasing C30 17α, 21β-moretane/C30 17α, 21β-hopane (M/H) ratios and terrestrial aquatic ratios (TAR) suggesting an enhanced terrigenous input. The T-OAE interval record a decline in shelf sea oxygenation, which is indicated by Pr/Ph ratios and the enhanced preservation of C35 homohopanes. Decline in shelf sea oxygenation is most likely promoted by thermal and freshwater stratification. The higher gammacerane/C30 17α, 21β-hopane (G/H) ratios occurring at the beginning of the T-OAE indicate an intensified water-column stratification. The sterane/ C30 17α, 21β-hopane (ST/C30H) ratios also show a sharp decrease at the beginning of the T-OAE supporting the transformation of the biological community, and/or an increase in soil organic matter. The increased input of terrigenous materials, enhanced freshwater input, and abrupt change in the biological community across the T-OAE may be attributed to an accelerated hydrological cycle associated with global climatic and environmental changes during the T-OAE.