Objective: To determine the content of total flavonoids from Pilea aquarum and evaluate its antioxidative activity. Method: With the content of total flavonoids as an indicator

based on single factor experiments

response surface methodology was adopted to optimize extraction process by taking liquid-solid ratio

extraction temperature and time as factors.The content of total flavonoids in P. aquarum from different places were determined

then antioxidation of total flavonoids were evaluated against DPPH and ABTS free radical. Result: Optimum coditions were as follows:liquid-solid ratio of 1 : 19

extraction temperature at 71 ℃ and extraction time of 126 min.Yield of total flavonoids was as high as 7.08 mg · g-1 under these conditions.The content of total flavonoids in P. aquarumfrom different places was from 4.35 to 7.10 mg · g-1 with obvious regional differences.Scavenging capacity of total flavonoids were as same as vitamin C against DPPH and ABTS free radical. Conclusion: There is obvious difference of total flavonoids content in P. aquarum from different places

and total flavonoids has good antioxidative activity in a dose-dependent manner.