Abstract: On the basis of single factor experiment, quadratic regression model was established and the exctraction process for total flavonoids from Jatropha curcas L. seed shells was optimized both by response surface methodology. Results showed that the quadratic regression model had high significance, the optimal values of the variables were as follows:ethanol concentration in aqueous solution 58%, solid to solvent ratio1∶35 (g/mL) , extraction temperature 82℃, extraction time 126min. Under these conditions, the predicted and actual yields of total flavonoids were 8.71% and 8.65% respectively, the relative error was only 0.69%.Therefore, the optimized extraction process was reasonable and reliable.