Abstract: Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.),which is a special local plant in Peru,was introduced to China in recent years.The fatty acids and unsaponifiable matters of petroleum ether extract in Yunnan maca roots were analyzed.In the saponifiable fraction,20 known and 3 unknown components were identified;in which linoleic acid content is the highest,accounting for 38.09%.In the unsaponifiable fraction,23 known and 4 unknown constituents were identified;in which γsitosterol content is the highest,accounting for 39.28%.According to the characteristic fragment ions based on mass spectrometry analysis,unknown constituents in the extract were deduced for macaenes and macamides.

Key words: Lepidium meyenii., fatty acids, unsaponifiable matters