Abstract: OBJECTIVE To compare the difference of volatile compounds in Radix Aucklandiae treated with different sample acquisition methods. METHODS Using steam distillation and head-space injection respectively, volatile components in Radix Aucklandiae were analyzed by GC-MS combined with Kovats retention index. RESULTS By GC-MS, 42 volatile compounds in Radix Aucklandiae treated with head-space injection were identified, whereas 32 volatile compounds in volatile oil which obtained by steam distillation were identified. Among the detected compounds in the samples treated with different methods, there were 14 mutual compounds with different relative contents. CONCLUSION The above two sample acquisition methods are focusing on volatile compounds with different boiling points; analyzing the herb treated with the above two methods respectively is feasible to establish GC-MS representation system for Radix Aucklandiae.