Abstract: Objective: To optimize the simultaneous extraction and purification of paeoniflorin and albiflorin from Radix Paeoniae Rubra. Methods: The optimal extraction conditions for achieving the highest total yield of paeoniflorin and albiflorin were determined using orthogonal array design. Further, the purification of paeoniflorin-albiflorin extract by microporous resin adsorption was explored. Results: The optimal extraction conditions were 70% ethanol as extraction solvent at a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:8 (g/mL) for reflux extraction repeated three times for 2 h each time. The optimal purification was achieved on AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin column with a diameter/height ratio of 1:8 under the following conditions: sample loading amount of 4.4 BV, washing with 3 BV water and eluting with 6 BV 40% ethanol at a flow rate of 1.5 BV/h. Conclusion: The optimized extraction process is simple and practical and can provide high purity of total paeony glycoside (TPG, mainly paeoniflorin and albiflorin).

Key words: Radix Paeoniae Rubra, extraction, purification, macroporous adsorption resin