Abstract: Pitaya is a widely cultivated and edible fruit all over the world. It is rich in bioactive ingredients such as betalains,polyphenol compounds,and β-carotene. The antioxidant,anti-cancer,anti-bacterial,anti-inflammatory and other physiological functions of pitaya have become research hotspots. It has also attracted attention on the improvement of cardiovascular diseases,diabetes,obesity and other metabolic diseases. In this paper,the various functions and related mechanisms of pitaya are summarized. It provided a theoretical basis for its further development and utilization. It was expected that pitaya will have more space in the development of the functional food and medicine.