Abstract:

There are more than 200 species of Achillea L.plants worldwide,which are widely distributed in the North temperate zone.Most of these species have been used as folk medicines for thousands of years,and these plants have attracted much attention for their rich and varied medicinal and ornamental values.Studies have shown that Achillea L.has significant pharmacological activities in anti-tumor,antibacterial and anti-inflammatory,anti-diabetes,anti-ulcer,anti-oxidation,anti-insect,anti-anxiety,anti-melanosis,anti-hypertension,anti-asthma,anti-spermatogenesis,analgesic and spasmolysis,callus and other aspects.In this paper,the studies on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Achillea L.plants since 2004 are summarized,which can be used as reference for the further exploitation and utilization of Achillea L.

Key words: Achillea L., terpenoids, lignin, antitumor, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory