Abstract: UV-B radiation, as an important metabolic regulation method, is closely related to the biosynthesis, accumulation and metabolism of various plant components.Therefore, it is very important to study the effects of UV-B radiation on the nutrients and main bioactive substances in plants.In this paper, the latest research progress of the effects of UV-B radiation on nutrients ( carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) and main bioactive substances ( amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids) was reviewed.The potential problems in the research field were analyzed and the following research emphasis was also suggested.