Abstract: This study proposes a method for the separation of flavonoids from mulberry leaves by microemulsion thin layer chromatography. By using 10% formic acid for the pH adjustment, as well as with SDS/n-C4H9OH/n-C7H16/H2O micromulsion containing 70% water as the eluant, on the polyamide spots, the flavonoids are separated by the proposed method. The results indicated that twelve spots can be obtained from ethanol extracts of mulberry leaves. It is also indicated that, compared with the common chromatography method with C4H9OH/CH3COOH/H2O as the eluant, the proposed microemulsion chromatography is of greater sensitivity of detection with better separation effect.

Key words: misroemulsion, thin-layer chromatography, mulberr method leaves, flavonoid