Abstract: Cyanogenic glycosides are found in a wide range of taxa including ferns,woody and herbaceous plants,as well as some bacteria,fungus,arthropod and insects.Cyanogenic glucosides play several important roles in addition to defense.The transfer of a nuptial gift of cyanogenic glucosides during mating of Zygaena has been demonstrated as well as the possible involvement of hydrogen cyanide in male assessment and nitrogen metabolism.Researches on the cyanogenic glucosides are reviewed from the aspects of their structure,synthesis and degradation.

Key words: cyanogentic glycoside, chemical constituent, metabolic pathways