This study was conducted to optimize the extraction process of polyphenols from fibrous roots of Bletilla striata (BRP) by response surface methodology and investigate its antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities in vitro.The method of high-shear mixing emulsification technique (HSME) combined with the green solvent glycerol was used,and on the basis of single-factor test,the extraction process of BRP was optimized by response surface analysis.The antioxidant activity of BRP was examined by reducing power,DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays.Additionally,the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of BRP was explored.The results showed that the optimal process conditions were as follows,shear time of 150 s,solid-liquid ration of 1∶50 g/mL,glycerol concentration of 53%,pH value of 4,shear speed of 16 200 rpm and temperature of 40 ℃.Under these conditions,the content of BRP was 19.12 mg/g.BRP exhibited strong reducing power,DPPH and ABTS free radicals scavenging abilities,and the antioxidant activity demonstrated significant correlations with the content of BRP (P<0.05).Both BRP and Vc exerted potent tyrosinase inhibitory capacities with the IC₅₀ values of 0.124 and 0.287 mg/mL,respectively.This research can provide a theoretical basis for the rational development and comprehensive utilization of fibrous roots of Bletilla striata.