Abstract: Resources and bioactive applications of farnesol that widely exists in flowers, leaves and stems of plants were reviewed. According to the citations, some Chinese traditional herbs and essential oil plants are abundant in farnesol. Cinnamomum tenuipilum Kosterm. (farnesol-type), flowers of Magnolia liliflora Desr., leaves of Eriobotrya japonica,etc. are important potential resources of farnesol for industrial utilization. As one of the main bioactive compositions of the Chinese herbs and perfume plants, farnesol is more and more widely applied in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, cosmetics, and domestic chemicals, having good prospects.

Key words: farnesol, biological resource, bioactive application