Natural terpenoid lignans consist of terpenoid and lignan units,which are mainly found in Magnolia genus (Magnoliaceae) and Zanthoxylum genus (Rutaceae).Based on the structure,terpenoid lignans can be divided into three types:semiterpene lignans,monoterpene lignans and sesquiterpene lignans.Modern research show that terpenoid lignans possess various pharmacological effects such as neuroprotective,anti-tumour,anti-inflammatory,anti-type 2 diabetes,antibacterial,antioxidant and insecticidal.In this paper,the plant-derived,structural types and pharmacological effects of natural terpenoid lignans are systematically reviewed,which provide guidances for further research and development of terpenoid lignans.