Abstract: The genus Scabiosa belongs to Dipsacaceae, and there are about 100 species in the world, distributed in Europe, Asia, southern Africa and western Africa. There are 9 species and 2 varieties in China, which are produced in northeast, north, northwest and Taiwan province, et al. Plant chemistry research found that its main components were flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and coumarins, etc. Modern pharmacological studies show that it has many pharmacological activities such as anti-hepatic fibrosis, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and anti-bacteria. Most of the plants of Scabiosa are widely used as national traditional medicines at home and abroad, and have great potential medicinal value. In this paper, the research progress of chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of the genus Scabiosa at home and abroad is reviewed, in order to provide scientific basis and reference for further research, development and utilization of the genus.