Abstract: Objective To investigate the technology of extracting pulegone from Schizoepeta tenuifolia Briq by microwave-assisted extraction(MAE). Methods The optimum extraction process was selected by single-factor experiments. The influences of microwave-power, particle size, the concentration of ethanol, the volume of solvent, extraction temperature and extraction time on the yield of pulegone were discussed. The yield of pulegone was analyzed and determined by GC in all the experiments. Results The Results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were established as follows: microwave-power 300 W, particle size 40-60 mesh, the concentration of ethanol 60%, the volume of solvent 20 mL·g-1, extraction temperature 50 ℃, radiation time 20 min. Extracted for 3 times, and the average yield was 0.0178 35%. Conclusion The technology process is stable and feasible. And it’s suitable for industrial production of extracting paeoniflorin by MAE.

Key words: pulegone, Schizoepeta tenuifolia Briq, MAE, GC, optimum condition