Abstract: A new method for the extraction of total flaconoid from Herba Epimedii Maxim was developed in this study.The extraction solvent,extraction duration,times of extraction,concentration ratio and acid dosage used for precipitation were investigated using the extraction yield of icariin and total flavonoid as considering indices.The extraction process was optimized as follows:using 10 times amount (compare to sample) of 0.1% NaOH solvent,boiling for 2 times and 1h every time.The filtrate was concentrated to the ratio of 1:4 for the ratio of solid to solvent.The pH of the concentrated filtrate was then adjusted to 2 by HCl followed by precipitation for 36 h and vacuum filtration or centrifugation of precipitate to afford flavonoid with high concentration.The developed method was stable,easy to operate and suitable for industrial production.

Key words: Herba Epimedii Maxim, total flavonoid, alkali extraction