Abstract: Cordycepin is one of the important biological activities in cordyceps militaris, with the biological effects of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-bacterial, anti-virus and improving immunity. At present, cordycepin is mainly extracted from cordyceps militaris-related cultures. In this paper, the pharmacological effects, extraction, separation, purification, determination and optimization of cordycepin production were reviewed. The research progress of cordycepin was summarized and the related prospects were prospected.