Objective: To analyze the components of fatty acids in the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti and develop a method for the simultaneous determination of the main fatty acids. Method: Samples were extracted by Soxhlet extraction. After methyl esterification treatment

fatty acids were identified by GC-MS and determined by GC with a FID detector and methyl heneicosanoate as internal standard. Result: Total 10 kinds of fatty acids were identified

accounted for 99.43% of the total fatty oil. The calibration curve was linear within the range of 33.6-336 mg·L-1 (r=0.999 0)

6.58-65.8 mg·L-1 (r=0.999 9)

33.4-334 mg·L-1 (r=0.999 8)

128.3-1 283 mg·L-1 (r=0.999 5) for palmitic acid

octadecanoic acid

oleic acid and linoleic acid respectively. The average recoveries (n=9) were 100.4%

100.6%

101.6% and 101.0% for palmitic acid

octadecanoic acid

oleic acid and linoleic acid respectively. Conclusion: Ten kinds of fatty acids are identified and a method for the determination of palmitic acid

octadecanoic acid

oleic acid and linoleic acid in Abutilon theophrasti simultaneously is developed. The method is sensitive

accurate and reproducible.