The volatile oil of Magnolia liliflora ，as the main active part of the medicinal value ，has rich chemical constituents ， mainly including cineole ，farnesol，α-pinene，β-pinene，terpineol，cadinene，linalool，citronellol，camphor. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects ，mainly anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Clinically ，it is mainly used to treat acute and chronic rhinitis，allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. This paper summarizes the research reports on the volatile oil of M. liliflora at home and abroad in the past 10 years，compares the chemical constituents of the volatile oil from M. liliflora under different conditions （origin，variety，part and extraction method ），combs its pharmacological effects and clinical application status ，and looks forward to its development prospect ，in order to provide reference for the further development of the medicinal value of the volatile oil from M. liliflora .