Objective:To optimize extraction technology conditions of volatile oil from Ligusticum chuanxiong

Angelica sinensis and Cinnamomum cassia in Guanxinkang capsule. Method:Volatile oil from L. chuanxiong

A. sinensis and C. cassia were extracted by steam distillation method

with yield of volatile oil as evaluation index

the amount of water

soaking time and extraction time were investigated by central composite design

test data was fitted by multi-linear equation and second-order polynomial equation

extraction technology conditions were optimized by response surface method

and to predictive analysis. Result:Multiple correlation coefficients from second-order polynomial equation were prior to those from multi-linear equation

optimum extraction process conditions were as follows:soaked 80 min with 9 times the amount of water

distillation time 7.5 h

deviation between observed and predicted values was less than 3%. Conclusion:This optimized process was simple with high predictability

it could provide test basis for industrial production of Guanxinkang capsule.