Objective: To optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology of total triterpenoids from Phellinus igniarius

and determine its inhibitory activity on human glioblastoma U251 cells in vitro. Method: Orthogonal test were implied to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction process with yield of total triterpenoids as index

the concentration of ethanol

ultrasonic temperature

extraction time and liquid-material ratio were optimized.MTT assay was used to determine inhibition rate of total triterpenoids on proliferation of U251 cells

Morphological changes of apoptosis of U251 cells were observed through inverted phase contrast microscope. Result: Optimum extraction conditions were determined as:the concentration of ethanol 70%

extraction time 20 min; extraction temperature 60 ℃

liquid-material ratio 1∶25

under these conditions

yield of total polyphenols reached 9.40 mg·g-1.Total triterpenoids from P. igniarius could inhibit hyperplasia of glioblastoma U251 cells in dose-dependent manner

apoptotic body formation were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope. Conclusion: Ultrasound-assisted extraction technology was an effective and rapid method for extracting total triterpenoids from P. igniarius with short time and high yield

total triterpenoids from P. igniarius could inhibit proliferation of glioblastoma U251 cells

and induced apoptosis on tumor cells.