Abstract: In order to optimize the extraction process of Scutellariaand increase the extractionyield of total flavonoids,ethanol reflux extraction,cellulose-aqueous buffer solution extraction and cellulose assisted aqueous ethanolextractionwere compared using the yield of total flavonoids as index.The results showed that there was a synergistic effect between enzymatic hydrolysis of cell walls and the flavonoidsleaching inethanol aqueoussolution.The optimal conditions of cellulose assisted aqueous ethanolextractionwasas follows:extraction temperature 50 ℃,ethanol 50%(v/v),liquid to solid ratio 15,extraction time 6 h,cellulose dosage 50 U/g (dry ingredients).Under the optimal conditions,the extractionyieldof the flavonoidswas19.85%,1.38% higher than the extraction yieldwithoutenzymatic hydrolysis.Hence,it was concluded that cellulose assisted aqueous ethanolextraction method can be used for the extraction of the total flavonoids from Scutellaria.

Key words: total flavonoidsof Scutellaria, extraction rate, ethanol, cellulose