Pectin is a kind of natural polysaccharide polymer, which is an important part of the cell wall of higher plants. It has physiological functions such as cholesterol-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and hypoglycemic, and beneficial to intestinal health. In this review, pectin extraction methods and their advantages and disadvantages in recent years were summarized, and the yield, galacturonic acid content and esterification degree of pectin extracted from different sources and methods were compared and analyzed. The physiological function of pectin and its application in various aspects were also introduced, and the future development direction was prospected.