Abstract: The aims are to select the extraction process condition of total saponins in stems and leaves of Codonopsis pilosula , and provide reference for saponins exploitation inCodonopsis pilosula . The stems and leaves ofCodonopsis pilosula were used as the materials. Taking the extraction rate of total saponins as index, the effects of ethanol concentration, liquid-to-material ratio, extraction temperature and extraction time on total saponins were studied. Based on the single-factor test, the orthogonal design was employed to optimize the ethanol reflux extraction conditions of total saponins. The results showed that the extraction rate of total saponins from stems and leaves of Codonopsis pilosula reached 4.12% with the condition of 70% ethanol concentration, liquid-solid ratio 25 mL/g, extraction temperature 70℃ and extraction time 90 min.In vitro antioxidant activities results showed that the saponin concentration was proportional to the antioxidant activity. The maximum inhibition rates of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion was 86.92%, 55.37% and 82.21% , respectively. And the IC 50 value of those antioxidant activities was 0.37, 0.78 and 0.44 mg/mL, respectively. Consequently, total saponins ofCodonopsis pilosula stems and leaves with good antioxidant effect can be obtained through the simple ethanol reflux extraction. If the total saponins are developed into health products or food additives, it can not only reduce resource waste, but also extend the industrial chain of Codonopsis pilosula products, which has both ecological and practical significance.