Abstract: Glucosinolates (GS) are important secondary metabolites in plants. They have many functions, especially the breakdown product of glucoraphanin, sulphoraphane, has anti-cancer properties and therefore has been paid great attention. A great progress has been made in research of glucosinolates in recent years. This paper presents a review on the function, type, distribution, transportation, biosynthesis and degradation of glucosinolate, factors affecting the biosynthesis and accumulation, genetic engineering, prospects and so on.