Objective: To optimize the formulation of paeonol tablets by the central composite design-response surface methodology. Method: In the formulation design using response surface methodology plus central composite design

independent variables included the amounts of MCC102

Cellactose 80

PVP S63 and the tablet hardness.Disintegration time and friability of tablets were taken as dependent variables

and overall desirability was calculated from the geometric mean of the two desirabilities of each formulation.Multilinear

quadratic and cubic models were used to estimate the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables

and to delineate response surface method and overlay contour plots in order to select the optimal formulations.Finally

predicted responses were verified. Result: The quantitative relationships between three factors and 3 evaluation indexes were characterized.Optimal formulation was proposed to contain 1% PVP S630

the proportion of MCC 102 and Cellactose 80 was 1∶1.Dissolution test of the selected optimal formulation indicated that there existed high approximation between the observed and estimated values. Conclusion: The muti-objective simultaneous optimization of paeonol tablets formulation could be achieved by the central composite design and response surface methodology.