Abstract: To optimize the simulation extraction technology of berberine from Cortex Phellodendri with continuous counter-current extraction method,the simulation technology (extraction temperature,sulfuric acid concentration and extraction time) in laboratory for the extraction of berberine from Cortex Phellodendriwith continuous counter-current extraction method was optimized with orthogonal design experiment based on the single factor experiment.A laboratory simulation method for pilot scale test of continuous counter-current extraction with ACCE (Alkaloid Continuous Counter-current Extractor) was provided.The extraction technology of berberine was verified by pilot experiment of continuous counter-current extraction.The laboratory simulation scheme was optimized by orthogonal experiments,and the range analysis results showed that the influence of extraction effect by three factors were extraction temperature ＞ sulfuric acid concentration ＞ extraction time.The optimal extraction conditions were extraction temperature 90 ℃,ratio of solid to liquid (0.5% sulfuric acid solution) 1:8 and extraction time 4 min.The extraction yield of berberine was 3.6%,and the extraction rate of berberine reached 90.3%.Based on the laboratory parameters,the pilot scale parameters of continuous counter-current extraction were set as follows:extraction temperature was 90 ℃,rotate rate was 4  rpm and total extraction time was 20 h.The extraction rate of berberine was 90.5%.Comparing with traditional technology,the optimized technology can improve the extraction efficiency remarkably and reduce the consumption of extraction solution effectively.

Key words: continuous counter-current extraction, Cortex Phellodendri, berberine, simulation technology