Abstract: Single factor tests and orthogonal test design were applied to optimize the extraction process of polysaccharides from Hygrophorus russula. The results showed that the optimal conditions for powdered versus chipped fruit bodies of Hygrophorus russula are particle size 60-mesh sieve , choice of fruit bodies of Hygrophorus russula, distilled water as extraction solvent, solid to liquid ratio 1:10, ethanol concentration 85%, time 4 h, temperature 90 ℃ and two consecutive extractions with crude polysaccharide yield of 3%～4%. The results of orthogonal test showed that polysaccharide yield is affected mainly by the ethanol concentration used, followed by temperature, solid to liquid ratio and treatment time. The optimal conditions are extraction time 4 h, temperature 80 ℃, solid to liquid ratio 1:10, and ethanol concentration 85%. Under these conditions, A3B2C1D3 were the optimal conditions with the highest yield of 6.52% and percentage yield of crude polysaccharide 49.17%～69.86%.

Key words: Hygrophorus russula, polysaccharide, extraction