Abstract: OBJECTIVE To summarize the chemical components and pharmacological effect of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. METHODS Reviewed the related papers in Chinese Journal Full Text Database (CNKI) and Wanfang database during 2000?2013, the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Dendrobium nobile was analyzed, and then summarized the progress, focus of research, and causes. RESULTS The main chemical components of Dendrobium nobile Lindl included alkaloids, polysaccharide, sesquiterpene, phenanthrenes, bibenzyls etc. Dendrobium alkali was its characteristic components, the main pharmacological effects included anti-cataract, exciting bowel, immunoregulation, lowering blood sugar, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, etc. CONCLUSION The research of Dendrobium nobile is still focused on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effect, the future research may focus on mechanism and research of health products.