An efficient microwave assisted extraction procedure for the lignans from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora was investigated and optimized. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-level four-factor Box Behnken Design (BBD) was employed to optimize the extraction conditions. The best extraction conditions were as follows: microwave time 5 min, ratio of material to ethanol 126 (g/mL), ethanol concentration 80%, microwave temperature 60 ℃. Under the optimization conditions, the experimental yield of lignans was 42.69%, which was well matched with the predictive yield of 42.95%.