Abstract: Objective To select the optimal extraction process of total triterpenoids from Maytenus austroyunnanensis S. J. Pei et Y. H. Li. Methods With oleanolic acid as the reference substance，the total triterpenoid content in Maytenus. austroyunnanensis as the index，the color developed with 5% vanillin-glacial acetic acid and perchloric acid，the effects of five factors，such as extraction method，extraction time，solid-liquid ratio， extraction times， and ultrasonic power， on the extraction of total triterpenoids from Maytenus. austroyunnanensis were investigated by ultraviolet spectrophotometry，and the optimal extraction process was verified.Results The optimum technological conditions for the extraction of total triterpenes from Maytenus. austroyunnanensis were as follows：ultrasonic extraction for 60 min，the solid-liquid ratio（g/mL）of 1∶20，extraction once，the ultrasonic power of 450 W，and the content of total triterpenoids was 23. 99 mg/g. Conclusion The optimal extraction conditions are simple and easy to operate， which provides a certain experimental basis for the further study of chemical components and pharmacological activities of Maytenus. austroyunnanensis.

Key words: Maytenus austroyunnanensis S. J. Pei et Y. H. Li, total triterpenoids, extraction process, UV spectrophotometry