Abstract: Histone deacetylase has proved to be a promising new antimalarial target in the development of novel antimalarial drugs. This article introduces the mechanism of action of histone deacetylase inhibitors and their antimalarial activity, with a focus on the discovery process of Plasmodium histone deacetylase inhibitors and their recent research progress both domestically and internationally. Recent research findings on hydroxamic acid-based and cyclic peptide inhibitors are reviewed and analyzed in detail according to their different structural types. Key challenges hindering drug development and approval, such as drug toxicity issues and the lag in related biological studies, are highlighted. Furthermore, future directions for drug research and development are proposed, offering insights for the further development of new antimalarial drugs.