Abstract The chemical analysis of Cymbopogon schoenanthus showed that it contained tannins, saponins, saponin glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, triterpens, balsams, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, steroids and volatile oils. The previous pharmacological effects of Cymbopogon schoenanthus showed that it exerted antioxidant, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, insecticidal, protective, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and other pharmacological effects. This study was designed to highlight the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Cymbopogon schoenanthus.