Abstract: In order to optimize the extraction process of Pulsatilla chinensis,the DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the Pulsatilla chinensis extracts was used as the evaluation index.The effects of different factors,such as solid-liquid ratio,extraction duration,extraction times and extraction temperature,on the ability of Pulsatilla chinensis extracts to remove DPPH free radicals were investigated.The single factor results were optimized by using orthogonal test.The highest DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the Pulsatilla chinensis extracts was observed when the solid-liquid ratio,extraction duration,extraction times and extraction temperature were 1∶40,45 min,2 times and 60 ℃,respectively,which reached up to 54.9%.Our results demonstrated that extraction method has an impact on the removal of DPPH free radicals by the Pulsatilla chinensis extracts.High temperature and long-term extraction may exert a destructive effect on the active components of Pulsatilla chinensis extracts which play important roles in DPPH free radicals scavenging.