Abstract: The extraction technology of total phenolic compounds from the seedpod of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn(TPNU) was studied by single-factor experiments and orthogonal test design. Furthermore,the antioxidant activities of TPNU were evaluated,using various antioxidant assays included the scavenging on DPPH,ABTS+,OH free radicals,reducing power determination,ferrous ion-chelating capacity and influence on lipid peroxidation in rats. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were determined by orthogonal experiment as follows:ethanol concentration 50%,solid-liquid ratio 1 ∶25,extraction temperature 80℃ and extraction time2 h,and the extraction yield was 5.23% in these conditions. TPNU had strong scavenging activity on DPPH,ABTS+and OH free radicals,also had strong reducing power and ferrous ion-chelating capacity. In addition,TPNU could significantly inhibit the brain lipid peroxidation in rats. These findings showed that TPNU had strong antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction technology.