This paper summarizes the research and development on anti-cancer plants and natural materials both at home and abroad in the past fifty years, such as Paclitaxel, Epothilones , Polysaccharide(ASPS,PPS,AMPS,TFPS),Podophyllum lignxans,Harringtonine,Homoharringtonine,Flavene(Isoflavone,Glycyithiza flavone,Skullcapflavone),Terpenes,Saponin(GYP,SRG,Steroidal),Polypeptide, natural steridal and steroid saponin.The existing problems and prospects in these fields are also discussed.