Abstract: Pimaric-type resin acid is a kind of important resin acid with a special structure, in which there are both a methyl group and a vinyl group at C_-13 position. Most isomers of pimaric-type acids possess bio-activity, such as anti-bacterial, diminishing inflammation, anti-microbe, pesticidic, decreasing cholesterol, and anti-cancer activities. Recent progresses of research and application for pimaric-type resin acid at home and abroad are reviewed. Especially, their bio-activities as pesticides and medicines, and applications have been introduced. The developing prospects of pimaric-type resin acid have also been discussed.

Key words: diterpene acid, pimaric-type acid, bio-activities, research progress