Objective To review the advances in DNA barcoding and molecular marker technology of medicinal plants,and to lay a foundation for further research on identification,genetic breeding and germplasm conservation of medicinal plants.Methods The literatures at home and abroad in recent years were reviewed,and the characteristics,species and applications of DNA barcoding technology and molecular marker technology in medicinal plants were summarized.Results DNA barcoding and molecular markers have been widely used in medicinal plants.DNA barcoding technology can quickly and accurately identify medicinal plants,overcoming the defects of traditional identification methods.Molecular marker technology has been widely used in promoting the scientific research of medicinal plants because of its advantages of simple operation,high sensitivity and accurate results.Conclusion The emergence of DNA barcoding and molecular marker technology has a positive impact on the identification of medicinal plants,and provides a basis for the protection,identification,genetic relationship analysis and genetic evolution of germplasm resources.With the continuous progress of science and technology,DNA barcoding and molecular marker technology will be more accurate,and will have a more profound impact on the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.