Abstract: The ethanol extraction technology of camptothecin from Camptotheca acuminata fruits was optimized.Based on single-factor experiments and response surface analysis,the optimal extraction conditions were determined to be:ethanol concentration of 88.53% (v/v),liquid-to-solid ratio of 21.4:1,leaching time of 2.23 h, extraction temperature of 40 ℃.Under these conditions,the total extraction yield of camptothecin reached up to 0.847 mg/g (dry weight) by a series of industrial extraction & purification processes subsequently.This study offered an important experimental reference for further developments and utilizations of C.acuminata.

Key words: Camptotheca acuminate, camptothecin, response surface method, HPLC