Objective:To optimize ethanol reflux extraction process of total triterpenoids in Ligustrum lucidum Ait. MethodsOn the basis of single factor tests,response surface analysis of three-factor-three-level was adopted to investigate effects of ethanol concentration,extracting time and solvent fold on yield of total triterpenoids.  Results:Optimal extraction conditions were as follows:extracted 2 times by 12 times the count of 67% ethanol with 1.70 h each time; under these conditions,yield of total triterpenoids was 57.62 mg/g,2.89% in low deviation than predicted.  Conclusion:This extraction process of total triterpenoids from L. Lucidum dahurica by central composite design/response surface methodology was a simple method with high precision and good predictability.