Abstract: OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction technology of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. METHODS Using water/solid ratio, extraction times, extraction duration as factors, the yield and the inhibitory activity against tyrosinase of the extracts as response value, reponse surface method was used to obtain the optimal extraction technology of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma based on single factor test and its whitening effect was tested. RESULTS The result showed that the optimal conditions were:the water/solid ratio of 1:14, the extraction time of 3, extraction duration of 2.5 h. Under the optimal condition, the yield of Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma extract was 64.4% and the inhibition rate of extract on tyrosinase was 65.16%. CONCLUSION The yield of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma extract and the inhibition rate of extract on tyrosinase are basically similar with the predicted values. It has good whitening effect.