Pteris is one of the commonly used Chinese herbal medicines

and more than 300 species of this genus have been found up to now

about 66 species in China

and 24 species can be used in medicines. According to Records of Medicinal Harvest in Lingnan

the majority of Pteris plants has the effects such as the detumescence

detoxification and stopping dysentery

and is often used for the treatment of diarrhea

enteritis

hemoptysis

trauma bleeding

sore throat

dysentery

nephritis

rheumatism and other diseases. The plants of Pteris are a rich in chemical constituents

including flavonoids

terpenoids

sesquiterpenoids

diterpenoids

essential oils

polysaccharides and other compounds. Some plant extracts of this genus have antioxidant

antibacterial

anti-inflammatory

antiviral

and antitumor activities

especially the study on anti-tumor

antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities are more thorough. In the paper

in order to provide theoretical reference for further research on the development and utilization of Pteris

the structure of terpenoids isolated from Pteris

biological activity and mechanism of action were summarized and reviewed from the articles published from 1973

and then the prospects on development and utilization of Pterisin prevention and treatment of cancer were given to provide theoretical reference for further study

development and utilization of terpenoid in Pteris in the future.