Objective: To optimize the extraction condition of volatile oil from seeds of Schisandra chinensis by single factor test and orthogonal test. Method: The experiment was performed with steam distillation

take extraction rate of volatile oil as the index

orthogonal test with the grinding degree of seeds of Schisandra chinensis

solid-liquid ratio

time of distillation and soaking time as affecting factors. Result: The primary factor which influenced the extraction rate was grinding degree

then it was time of distillation

solid-liquid ratio and soaking time. The optimal condition of extraction was as follows:60-80 mesh powder of the grinding degree of seeds of Schisandra chinensis

1 ∶5 of solid-liquid ratio

8 h of distillation time

2h of soaking time. Conclusion: The method is efficient

simple and practicable.the extraction rate of volatile oil was 2.72% under the optimal condition.