Malignant tumors of the digestive system pose a serious threat to human health. Despite advances in medical technology, the mortality rate of cancer remains high. Salidroside, a phenylethanol glycoside compound extracted from Rhodiola plants, exhibits significant antitumor effects and demonstrates potential value in the research of digestive system malignancies. Current studies focus on exploring its anti-tumor mechanisms and evaluating its clinical application prospects. This review will discuss the mechanisms by which salidroside acts on malignant tumors, including: inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle progression, inducing apoptosis, suppressing tumor cell invasion and metastasis, and its anti-tumor effects in combination therapies.