Abstract: Inula cappa is a traditionally used material medica in Han and Dai medicine. This paper reviews the advances in chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of I. cappa. At least 100 compounds have been isolated from I.cappa, most of which are sesquiterpenes, inositol derivatives, triterpenes, flavonoids and phenolic derivatives. I. cappa has been found to has the bioactivities of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.