The essential oils from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata and the cultivated callus were analysed and compared by gaschromatography-mass spectrometry. In the experimental study of cell culture, it appeared that 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid in the culture medium induced higher production of essential oils in the callus than indole acetic acid. The growth of callus was inhibited by illumination of the light. The production of essential oil in cultured cells was increased by the addition of biosynthetic precursors. The essential oils from the roots of Codonopsis lanceolata and the cultured callus showed different compositions. Tetradecanoic acid, 1,1,-dimethoxyl 4-methoxy phenol, 9,12-octadecanoic acid and hexadecanoic acid were identified as main components of the cultured callus oil.