Abstract: The objective of this study was to find out the optimal extraction conditions of berberine from Cortex Phellodendri by applying the enzyme-alkali technology.Based on the single factor experiments,the orthogonal test was designed to optimize the Enzyme-alkali technology to extract berberine from cortex phellodendri with the extraction ratio as evaluation index.The optimal extraction conditions were as follows:the concentration of cellulase with 15‰,enzymolysis time with 1 h,substrate/liquid with 1∶7,and extraction time with 7 h.The process was suitble for its industrialized production with high yield,low cost and good stability.

Key words: orthogonal test, cortex phellodendri, berberine, cellulose, calcarea hydrica