Elephantopus scaber L.belongs to Elephantopus plant of Compositae,is widely used as the common Chinese herbal medicine in folk.Phytochemical investigations of the E.scaber have resulted in the isolation of triterpennoids,sesquiterpene lactones,sesquiterpene phenols,steroids,flavones,anthraquinones,peptides,lipid compounds and aryl compounds.It possesses the effects of antibacterial,clearing away heat and detoxification,detumescence and diuresis,and is used for treating lung cancer,cervical cancer,liver cancer,nasopharyngeal cancer,breast cancer,anemia and diarrhea.The research progress in the chemical constituents ofE scaber and pharmacological effects are reviewed for better explore and utilize theE scaber resource.