Objective:To systemically explore the ethnopharmacological resources of Chinese Clematis plants

and provide scientific basis for its sustainable utilization. Method:A variety of herbal books

literature and data were consulted for statistics and analysis. Result:①Our investigations indicated that 49 species have been used as diuretic

wind expelling and pain relieving drugs in 29 minorities of China

mostly with the whole plant and roots as the main medicinal parts

and stems are also used sometimes. ②These medicinal plants are mainly distributed in Sect. Clematis of Subgen. Clematis and Sect. Viorna of Subgen. Viorna. ③The plants in this genus have a wide spectrum of constituents

mainly including triterpenoid saponins

flavonoids and lignans are the main components. Modern pharmacological studies show that most of them have analgesic

diuretic

anti-tumor and anti-arthritic effects

consistent with the traditional effects. ④The quality control of Clematis medicinal plants has made considerable progress

but the overall level is relatively low. Conclusion:For the development of our pharmaceutical industry

it is important to further study these ethnic medicinal plants' pharmacodynamic material basis

pharmaceutical activity

and standard planting technique

which can provide basis for reasonable utilization of Clematis medicinal plant materials.