Objective: To optimize a technique for extracting and purifying total tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Method: Total tanshinones were selected as marker components and determined to optimize extraction and purification process of Salvia miltiorrhiza by orthogonal test. Result: The optimum extraction process was as follows: Salvia miltiorrhiza was added with 8 times alcohol of 90% and extracted 1 hour for 2 times. The optimum extraction purification was as follows: D101 macro porous resin was adopted in the experiment.The concentration of sample was 40%

the adsorptive speed of flow was 3 BV ·h-1. The adsorbing column was eluted with 5 BV water to remove the sugar. Finally the adsorbing column was eluted with 6 BV 90% ethanol and the flow rate was 5 BV/h. Conclusion: The content of the total tanshinones obtained was high by the optimum purification conditions. The technique is simple and suitable for the modern production.