In order to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction technology of polyphenols from Loropetalum chinense （R. Br.） Oliv., the effects of microwave power, ethanol concentration, solid to liquid ratio and extraction time on polyphenols extraction rate were investigated. On the basis of single-factor test, a four-factor and three-level orthogonal test was designed by response surface method to establish a mathematical model between the response value and various factors. The results showed that the intensity of effect of different influencing factor on polyphenols ex- traction rate ranked as microwave power＇s〉solid to liquid ratio＇s〉extraction time＇s〉 ethanol concentration＇s. The optimum microwave-assisted extraction conditions for polyphenols from L. chinense were as follows： extraction power 254 W, ethanol concentration 60%, extraction time 12.5 rain and solid to liquid ratio 1：17. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the extraction rate of polyphenols from L. chinense was 19.17%.
