Objective: To separate neferine from total alkaloids of Nelumbo nucifera. Method: An orthogonal test was adopted in the study.The neferine content and extraction ratio were adopted as index.Data processing was carried out with the multiple guidelines grading method for optimizing the extraction. Result: The optimum condition was as follows:chloroform and 2.5% sodium hydroxide solution were used as extraction solvent with volume ratio of 1 ∶1;the neferine content and extraction ratio were 91.6% and 45.6% respectively. Conclusion: The separation of neferine by extraction with sodium hydroxide solution was effective and easy

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