Objective: To optimize preparation technology of berberine hydrochloride liposomes and evaluate its in vitro release properties. Method: Berberine hydrochloride liposomes was prepared by pH gradient combined thin film dispersion method

with encapsulation efficiency as index

orthogonal test was adopted to investigate effects of cholesterol-phospholipid ratio

drug-lipid ratio

the concentration of phospholipid and pH of external phase on formulation technology.In vitro release behavior was investigated by dynamic dialysis. Result: Optimum prescription was that ratio of phospholipid to cholesterol (3: 1)

drug-phospholipid ratio (1: 15)

phospholipid concentration of 30 g·L-1

pH of external phase 7.0.Encapsulation efficiency of prepared berberine hydrochloride liposomes was 89.34%

average particle size was 123.3 nm and Zeta potential was -20.0 mV

cumulative release was 90.46% in 24 h. Conclusion: These berberine hydrochloride liposomes prepared by pH gradient combined thin film dispersion method had high entrapment efficiency and uniform particle size with significant in vitro sustained-release characteristics.