Objective: To optimize extraction process of active ingredients from Gastrodiae Rhizoma in Dachuanxiong formula. Method: Active ingredients from Gastrodiae Rhizoma was extracted by reflux

with yield of gastrodine as index

some factors affecting index were firstly evaluated by Plackett-Burman design

then extraction conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken design

experimental date were imitated by multiple regression and second-order polynomial equation

response surface analysis was adopted to predict optimum process.HPLC was employed to determine the content of gastrodine with mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.05% phosphoric acid solution(3:97) and detection wavelength at 220 nm. Result: Solvent volume

extracting times and time had significant effects on yield of active ingredients;binomial equation fitted well with good predictability

optimal extraction process was as follows:extracted thrice with solid-lipuid ratio of 1:10

120 min for each time;yield of gastrodine was 1.392%

whose deviation was small by comparing with the predicted value of 1.397%. Conclusion: Extraction process of active ingredients from Gastrodiae Rhizoma optimized by combination of Plackett-Burman design and response surface analysis was stable and feasible with good predictability

which could serve as a valuable reference for resource development of Gastrodiae Rhizoma.