Rhus genus has great potential for scientific research and resource development. It has long been used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases in many countries. The wide industrial applications and economic value prove the importance of the research on Rhus genus plants. We summarized the research progress of Rhus genus plants in chemical constituents and pharmaceutical activities by retrieving literatures at home and abroad. The compounds isolated from Rhus plants

mostly include triterpenes and their glycosides

flavonoids and their glycosides

and a small number of phenolic acids. The compounds from Rhus genus plants have various pharmacological activities

such as antiviral (anti-HIV activity)

anticancer

antidiarrheal

anti-inflammatoryl

preventing decayed tooth

hepatopotective

etc. To carry out the studies related to Rhus genus plants is of great significance for discovering and developing new medicines and new medicinal resources.