Abstract: Extraction methods of toosendanin from Melia azedarach L. were systematically investigated and compared in detail in this paper, including supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, ultrasonic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and traditional solvent extraction. The results indicated that the ultrasonic extraction method was the preferred one among these methods. In the case of ultrasonic extraction, optimum conditions were as follows: 60% ethanol as solvent, ratio of feedstock to liquor 1:9, extraction time 30 min, temperature 40℃, and ultrasonic power 200 W. Under the optimum conditions, the yield of toosendanin was 0.715%.

Key words: toosendanin, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, ultrasonic extraction