Based on domestic and foreign literatures in recent years,this paper systematically gave a review on the advance of studies for chemical composition,pharmacological action and mechanism,quality control and processing of T. chebula.The main chemical components of T. chebula include tannins,phenolic acids and triterpenoids.Modern pharmacological studies have shown that T. chebula extract has many pharmacological activities,such as anti-microbial,detoxification,anti-cancer,anti-oxidation,protecting the brain,liver and gastrointestinal mucosa,detoxify aconite.In this paper,the chemical composition,pharmacological action and mechanism,quality standard,processing research and its own safety of T. chebula are systematically described,providing theoretical basis for scientific and rational use of T. chebula and further development and application of T. chebula.