OBJECTIVE:To optimize the extraction technology for organic acids in Crataegi fructus. METHODS:Based on sin-gle factor test,using liquid-solid ratio,extraction time and ethanol volume fraction as independent variables,extraction yield of or-ganic acids as dependent variable,central composite design-response surface method was used to optimize the extraction technology of organic acids in Crataegi fructus. RESULTS:The optimal extraction technology was as follow as liquid-solid ratio of 18.5:1, adding 75% ethanol,reflux extraction twice,2.0 h each time. Average extraction yield of organic acids in verification test was 5.22%(RSD=2.70%,n=3),with 1.75% relative error of the predicted value(5.13%). CONCLUSIONS:Optimized extraction technology for organic acids in Crataegi fructus is simple,with good reproducibility and predictability.