Abstract: Cuminum cyminum L., commonly known as cumin, belongs to the cumin genera of apiacea family.It is an herbaceous annual or biennial plant.Cumin is rich sources of characteristic ingredients (essential oil) and some functional nutrients, for example, proteins, polyphenols, dietary fiber, it has been actively researched for its biological activities, such as qi appetizer, dispel cold dehumidification, antiallergic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogetic, antiplateleaggregation, antidiabetic and so on.It plays an important role in the field of food and medicine.The research progressed on cumin from several aspects were summarized, including characteristic ingredients (essential oil) , functional nutrients (proteins, polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fiber) and biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic) , it aimed to provide a theoretical basis on the utilization of cumin.