Abstract: There were various kinds of bioactive substances in Amomum tsao-ko, which showed antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Essential oil was the main active ingredient in Amomum tsao-ko extracts. In this paper, the research progress on the chemical compositions, antibacterial effects and mechanisms of essential oil in Amomum tsao-ko was reviewed, and the existent problems were analyzed, then the development of Amomum tsao-ko as a natural preservative was prospected. This paper aimed to provide theoretical reference for the further development and application of Amomum tsao-ko.