Anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid, AA) is a versatile and low cost starting material for synthesis of benzofused heterocycles. It also plays a vital part in the biosynthesis of tryptophan and its derivatives, as well as in several types of alkaloids. Therefore the chemistry of anthranilic acid is of importance in medicinal and biological chemistry. The main emphasis of this review article is on the use of anthranilic acid as a starting material for synthesis of heterocycles, but it also covers the history, synthesis and reactivity, as well as a short account of the medicinal chemistry and biochemistry of anthranilic acids.