Abstract:The microwave-assisted extraction process of total saponin from Chenopodium quinoa peel of quinoa was optimized by one-factor combined response surface method with total saponin yield as index. The antioxidant activities were evaluated by DPPH free radical, hydroxyl radical and ABTS free radical method. The results showed that the ethanol concentration, microwave power and solid-liquid ratio had a significant effect on the total saponin yield. The optimum conditions were ethanol concentration 68%, microwave power 455 W, solid-liquid ratio 132 (g/mL), microwave time 10 min, and extraction times 2 times. The yield of total saponin from Chenopodium quinoa peel was 26.329 mg/g. The IC50 of DPPH, ABTS+andOH scavenging rate were 34.74, 48.18 and 5.45 μg/mL, respectively. The results indicated that the total saponins of Chenopodium quinoa peel had strong antioxidant activity.