Camellia nitidissima has attracted considerable attention as a rare and famous ornamental species characterized by yellow waxy petals in the genus Camellia of Theaceae. The flowers and leaves of C. nitidissima

a traditional herb in Chinese medicine

are commonly used for the treatment of faucitis

nephritis

hepatitis with jaundice

dysentery

diarrhea

hypertension

urinary tract infection and irregular menstruation. Studies have demonstrated that C. nitidissima mainly has flavonoid constituents

including quercetin

kaempferol and their glycoside Derivatives. In addition

C. nitidissima also has polyphenols

polysaccharides

saponins and volatile components. Both in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies showed that C. nitidissima has anti-tumor

anti-oxidant

hypolipidemic

hypoglycemic

anti-allergy

anti-skin aging

anti-bacterial

and other pharmacological effects. The present paper presents the research progress of chemical composition and pharmacological effects of C. nitidissima in recent years

and provide theoretical evidence for the full development and utilization of C. nitidissima resources.