Abstract: OBJECTIVE To optimize the extraction process conditions from Costas, Coptis and Betel nut of Tongbian capsule. METHODS Combined of traditional Chinese medicine theory and passed pharmacodynamic study to compare ethanol extraction with water extraction to determine ethanolic route in the stimulative role of mice intestinal. Content of extraction and berberine hydrochloride are regarded as the assessing index to determine the optimum extracting conditions. Content of ethanol, amount of ethanol, extracting times and extracting time are selected by orthogonal design and the analysis of variance. RESULTS The optimum conditions of extraction process are 30% ethanol, which is 10 times of the amount of herb material, refluxed 3 times, 1.5 h for each time. CONCLUSION The optimal extracting process conditions are scientific, reasonable and feasible by pharmacodynamic study and orthogonal test.