Cangzhu（Atractylodis Rhizoma）is a major traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in TCM clinical practice and has a long history of medicinal use. It has the effect of drying dampness and strengthening spleen，dispelling wind and dispelling cold，and brightening eyes. It is widely used in gastrointestinal diseases and rheumatic diseases，the clinical effect is remarkable. The main active ingredients are volatile oils，including atractyloketone，atractylotin，β-phylloalcohol and citronol. Atractylotin is one of the main efficacy components of Cangzhu（Atractylodis Rhizoma）. It is also an important index component for quality control of Cangzhu（Atractylodis Rhizoma）. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that atractylotin has anti-inflammatory，gastric emptying，anti-tumor，positive muscle strength，antibacterial，liver protection，heart protection，antioxidant activities. It has a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic effects on intestinal inflammation，arthritis，airway inflammation，pneumonia，etc. It can improve gastrointestinal function to strengthen spleen，inhibit the proliferation of bile duct cancer，liver cancer，breast cancer and lung cancer cells，and has significant antibacterial effect. The liver protection effect may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities，and it also has protective effects on the heart and nervous system. Atractylotin has a wide range of pharmacological effects and great potential for development and application. With further research，more and more pharmacological mechanisms will be elucidated，which will play an important role in promoting the development and utilization of atractylotin. The pharmacological action and mechanism of atractylotin were summarized in order to provide reference for its clinical application and new drug development.