Abstract: The bioactive compound squalene was firstly detected in seed oil of Camellia oleifera Abel by GC analysis,GC-MS(analysis) of the methyl ester of the seed oil,and co-chromatography with standard compounds.Influence of extraction method on squalene content in the seed oil was studied.The research results show that squalene in the seed oil is on relative high level,and the squalene content changes with the difference of extraction method or solvents.The squalene content in the seed oil from direct expression method,extraction with hexane,petroleum ether,acetone,and chloroform is 2.98%,7.62%,0.94%,(0.29%),and 0.54%,respectively.

Key words: Camellia oleifera Abel, seed oil of camellia, squalene, extraction method