<p>The genus <i>Arnebia</i>, a member of the Boraginaceae family, encompasses annual and perennial herbs predominantly found in Northern Africa, Europe, and Central Asia. These plants have a long history of medicinal use in traditional practices globally. Their chemical composition is primarily characterized by naphthoquinones, accompanied by a variety of other compounds, such as quinones, flavonoids, phenols, polysaccharides, esters, terpenes, and organic acids. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that <i>Arnebiae</i> Radix and its constituents exhibit a range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, liver protection, and immunomodulatory effects, underscoring their potential for medicinal applications. Given that <i>Arnebia</i> species typically grow in specific ecological environments and face threats like over-harvesting, their conservation and sustainable utilization are of great significance. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and resource protection of <i>Arnebia</i> plants, with an emphasis on the research progress in the past five years. Understanding these aspects is crucial for the development and utilization of <i>Arnebia</i> resources. Furthermore, this study employs bibliometric analysis to examine the early investigations and current research trends related to <i>Arnebia.</i> Based on this analysis, the study outlines the prospects for the genus, highlighting its therapeutic potential.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>