Abstract: Rhodiola is a kind of natural medicinal plant. Salidroside is the main pharmacological active ingredients that could improve the hypoxia tolerance of the body safely and significantly.Research of function and toxicological evaluation on improving hypoxia tolerance are reviewed in this paper. Research progress in the mechanism of action on Rhodiola improving hypoxia tolerance was described. Development and application status of Rhodiola improving hypoxia tolerance function in health foods and prospects the application of Rhodiola resources were summarized.