肉苁蓉为列当科多年生草本寄生植物荒漠肉苁蓉Cistanche desertico或管花肉苁蓉Cistanche tubulosa的干燥带鳞叶的肉质茎，主要化学成分有苯乙醇苷类、环烯醚萜及其苷类、木脂素及其苷类、多糖等，具有抗衰老、保护肝脏、缓解体力疲劳、抗骨质疏松、润肠通便等多种生物活性。就肉苁蓉的主要化学成分及生物活性等方面的研究进展进行综述，为新药研发提供参考。

Cistanche Herba is a fleshy stem with dry scaly leaves belonging to Cistanche deserticola or Cistanche tubulosa, which is a perennial herb parasitc plant of the Orobanchaceae. It mainly contains phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoid and their glycosides, lignans and their glycosides, polysaccharide etc. It has a variety of bioactive effects such as anti-aging, liver protection, relieve fatigue, prevent osteoporosis and relieve constipation. We reviewed the main chemical constituents and its biological activities, so as to provide a reference for further research and development.