Abstract: The optimum technological parameters of microwave-assisted extraction of gardenia yellow pigment (GYP) were studied. An orthogonal test table L₉(3⁴) was used with the factors of ethanol concentration, ratio of solid to liquid, power of microwave radiation and extracting time. The content of GYP was determined by spectrophotometry. The optimum conditions are as follows:60% EtOH as extracting solvent, solid to liguid ratio 1:20,power of microwave 280 W and extracting time 40 s. The extract yield was 17.83% and extraction rate reached 98.20%. Compared with traditional methods such as leaching by water or organic solvents, it was proved that microwave-assisted extraction of GYP is a rapid method with higher yield.

Key words: gardenia yellow pigment, microwave-assisted extraction