环阿尔廷烷类三萜广泛地存在于植物界。目前已报道其分布的植物科扩增至100个科，但具体的含量分布、种类不同。环阿尔廷类三萜及其苷具有较好的药理活性，如抗肿瘤、抗衰老、抗菌、护肝等。对于其植物的分布和近年来的药理活性进行总结，有利于进一步开发此类药物。

Cycloartane triterpenoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. The hundred families which included cyloartane triterpenoids had been reported. But the types and content of cyloartane are different. Cycloartane triterpenoids and related glycoside have good pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-aging, antibacterial, hepatic protection, etc. This article made a summary for resource and pharmacological activities of cycloartane triterpenoids, which will benefit development of these types' compounds.