Salvianolic acid A is a water-soluble component from Danshen, which is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine. High performance liquid chromatography was often used to analyze content of salvianolic acid A. The yield of salvianolic acid A increased by the technological improvement of extraction and separation. Salvianolic acid A possessed multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidants, myocardial ischemic protection, antithrombatic, neuroprotection, anti fibrosis, prevention of diabetes and complications. Recently, preliminary pharmacokinetics characteristics of salvianolic acid A were clarified. Based on the research literature and study work from author's laboratory, this review will focus on recent developments concerning the chemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetic of salvianolic acid A, and prospect further research.