In order to improve the unit yields of medicinal components, and provide a scientific basis for effective exploring of Rhizoma paridis, single factor experiments were combined with inner ebullition and response surface methods to extract the saponin from Rhizoma paridis. Based on the single factor experiments of ethanol concentration, temperature, liquid feed ratio, and extraction time, the best levels of all factors were established. The extraction conditions were optimized by the Box-Behnken design and the optimum conditions were as follows: 39% of ethanol concentration, 86 ℃ of extraction temperature, and 5.5 min of extraction time. The yield of saponin extracted under the optimal conditions reached 11.02%. The present strategy is simple, rapid and efficient.