Abstract: Taking the extraction rate of pectin as index,orthogonal test was employed to optimize the extraction process and determine the microwave-assisted extraction technology of pectin based on the single factors including extraction time,extraction temperature,microwave power,ratio of solid to liquid and particle size of sample. Results showed the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: microwave power of 700 W,extraction time of 15 min,extraction temperature of 90 ℃,particle size of 120 mesh and solid / liquid ratio of 1∶30(g/mL).Under these conditions,the yield rate of pectin from Gentiana scabra have reached 7.51% ± 0.12%. The method was simple in operation and possessed high extraction rate,which provided given data support for the industrial production of pectin from Gentiana scabra.