AIM: To optimize the extraction of folium Artemisia argyi polysaccharides by the use of response surface methodoloy.METHODS : Experiment factors and levels were first selected on the ground of one factor test.Along with the central composite experimental design principles,the response surface methodoloy with three factors and three levels was adopted in search of multiple quadratic linear regression.Response surface and contour were finally chosen as the extraction rate and the response value respectively.RESULTS: The optimum extraction conditions of the polysaccharides from folium Artemisia argyi were concluded as follows : extraction temperature was at 99 ℃,extraction time was 2.3 hours,ratio of 20.CONCLUSION : Under these conditions,the yield of folium Artemisia argyi polysaecarides is up to 3.017%,extraction rate of the predictive best polysaccharides is 3.096%,and the relative error is 2.6%.