The friedelane triterpenoids are the significant natural products extensively found within the plantae, they are also active ingredients in many traditional Chinese medicine, with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and other pharmacological activities. This review systematically summarizes the advancements in research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of friedelane triterpenoids derived from plants (including traditional Chinese medicine), based on related literature in recent ten years at home and abroad.