Abstract: AIM: To optimize the method of extracion and isolation for anthraquinone component from rhubarb for increasing the extraction rate and purity.METHODS: Rhubarb was extracted 4 times in the refluxing method with ethanol.The borate buffer solution was used as extracted fluid.Rhein, rheum emodin and chrysophanol could be obtained by Deltar 4 000 high-pressure making system, and the pure product obtained by recrystallizing with acetone.The YWG C₁₈ column was (4.6 × 250) mm, the flow rate 1.0 ml.min^-1, and UV detection wavelength 254 nm.Methanol, water and acid perchloride were taken as mobile phase with the ratio of 9:1:0.01.RESULTS: Deltar 4000 high-pressure making system could be used to isolate the anthraquinone component from rhubarb, the purity of rhein, rheum emodin and chrysophanol was more than 80 %, and the ertraction rate of rheum emodin reached 0.6 %.CONCLUSION: The extraction of the anthraquinone component is simple and cheap with ethanol from rhubarb, and the extraction rate is high.Deltar 4000 high pressure making system can be used to isolate the anthraquinone component from rhubarb with a high the extraction rate and purity.

Key words: rhubarb, anthraquinone component, extraction, isolation