Cannabis sativa is a plant of genus of Moraceae. It originated in India

and also grows in northeastern

northern

eastern and southern-central areas of China. It is cultivated and grows in Changbai Mountains. C. sativa has a long history of drug use; particularly

its seeds have effects in moisturizing dryness

laxation

treating stranguria

invigorating the circulation of blood

and the major effects in intestinal dryness and constipation

heat strangury

diabetes and irregular menstruation. Chemical components

pharmacological effects

and development and utilization of C. sativa were summarized by referring to relevant domestic and foreign literatures and patents. There are 62 compounds in the leaves

flowers and stems of Cannabis sativa. There are also flavonoids

glycosides

coumarin compounds

terpenoids and sterols

fatty acid compounds

phenanthrene compounds and other compounds. C. sativa and its active ingredients have analgesic

antihypertensive

anti-tumor

anti-vomiting

anti-fear memory

anti-blood pressure

anti-thrombosis

antibacterial

anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological effects. In addition

C. sativa

as a folk medicine

is mostly applied in compound drugs

and found in many patents in healthcare products and feeds. According to domestic and foreign researches of C. sativa

this paper summarizes the findings of C. sativa in the aspects of chemical components

pharmacological effects

and development and utilization

in the hope of providing reference basis for further studies and rational utilization of medicinal resources of C. sativa.