Objective: To investigate the condition and parameters of adsorption and purification of total flavones contained in Viola tianshanica by macroporous resin so as to provide methods for the enrichment of flavonoids. Method: The adsorption properties of 3 kinds of macroporous resins for total flavonoids of V. tianshanica were compared; the yield and purity of total flavonoids from V. tianshanica were considered as standards

the purification process of total flavonoids in V. tianshanica by macroporous resin was selected. Result: It was found that theadsorption properties of AB-8 macroporous resins for total flavonoids of V. tianshanica were the best

up to 48 mg·g-1 wet resin

the best conditions to elute the total flavonoids adsorbed by AB-8 macroporous resin was 35% ethanol

resin vs. crude drug was 2.5: 1

ratio of diameter to height was 1:8.Using this process

the yield of the total flavones of V. tianshanica was up to 2.08%

the purity was 71.1%. Conclusion: This process is simple and practicable

it can be used to purify the total flavones contained in V. tianshanica.