Optimization of the technology for extracting paeonol from cortex moutan with solvents

In order to select the best solvent and optimum technology parameters for extracting paeonol from cortex moutan, the effects of differentsolvents on extracting paeonol were investigated by HPLC and orthogonal experiment.Results show that the best solvent is carbon tetrachloride(CCl₄), and the optimum technology parameters are as follows: the ratio of solid to liquid is 1∶25(w/v), the diameter of granule of cortex moutan is 0.90 mm, and theextracting time is 6 h. Using the optimum parameter set, the quantity of paeonol is 11.428 g/kg from once extraction of the first time, being 89.857% of the total quantity of extracted paeonol, and 12.30 g/kg, be 96.79% paeonol obtained from twice extractions.