Abstract: OBJECTIVE To provide a theoretical basis for development and ulitization of the total alkaloids of Apios fortunei Maxim. by optimizing the best extraction and purification process. METHODS The effects of the ratio of solid-to-liquid, extraction time and extraction times on total alkaloid yield of Apios fortunei Maxim. were investigated by L₉ (3⁴) orthogonal test. By the static and dynamic adsorption experiments, six types of macroporous adsorption resins(D101, H-30, LSD-001, HPD450, DM130, AB-8) were evaluated to find the optimum one in purificating efficiency with measuring the adsorption and eluting ratio of the total alkaloids as indexes and used berberine hydrochloride as a comparison to determine the content of the total alkaloids of Apios fortunei Maxim.. RESULTS Ratio of solid-to-liquid was 1:15, extracting twice and 1 h every time were optimal. The HPD450 macroporous adsorption resin provided the optimal adsorption and elution parameters through the comparison of 6 different types of macroporous resin. The best adsorption capacity was achieved with the following condition:the concentration of extract liquid was 1.6 mg·mL^-1, pH 8.0,then the resin was washed by 5 BV water and 4 BV 40% ethanol to remove impurity and alkaloids were desorbed by 4 BV 90% ethanol. The total alkaloid was 80% of it before purifiction. CONCLUSION The process is simple, feasible and has a good prospect.