Pine needles are the leaves of Pinus massoniana

P.elliottii

P. taiwanensis

Larix gmelinii

P. Thunbergii

P. Koraiensis and other plants

they distribute throughout the country and have a long pharmaceutical history.Polyprenol is one of the principal constituents in pine needles

which has similar structure and biological activities as dolichol in human body.Previous studies show that polyrenol possesses multiple pharmacological properties

such as anti-alzheimer

anti-oxidation

anti-liver injury

etc.Nowadays

some progress on its extraction

separation

purification and pharmacological activities has been demonstrated

however

research on its pharmaceutical preparations for clinical application is not still reported.Further research is helpful for the development of new medicines and making the most use of pine needles' resources.In order to provide valuable references of further research and development for polyprenol in pine needles

we review current research on extraction

separation

purification

determination

pharmacological effects

preparation of polyprenol.Based on the current studies

for the purpose of rational development and applied value

further studies shall be made for the technology of separation and purification

pharmacological mechanism

preparation of polyprenol.