Abstract: With the development of health industry,lecithin is gradually known to consumers because of its health care functions such as protecting liver and lowering fat. Studies have confirmed that lecithin plays an active role in food industry,medicine industry and industrial production. In this paper,the source of lecithin,the selection of operating condition of separation and purification,the advantages and disadvantages of identification methods,and the application status of lecithin are reviewed. According to the different requirements of extraction and identification,the corresponding process parameters are adopted. The aims are to provide ideas for the development and comprehensive utilization of lecithin,and to play a full role in food and medicine,which is of great significance to the development of lecithin industry.