OBJECTIVE: To optimize the extraction process for iridoid glycosides from Ligustrum lucidum. METHODS: Using the contents of specnuezhenide, oleuropein and nuezhenoside G13 as parameters, the extraction technology of iridoid glycosides from L. lucidum was optimized by orthogonal test with the concentration of ethanol, solvent volume, extraction time and extraction times as factors. The verification test was conducted. RESULTS: 4 factors significantly affected the extraction amount of iridoid glycosides from L. lucidum, with the most prominent effect exerted by extraction times. The optimal extraction process was refluxing 3 times with 14-fold 70% ethanol, 2.5 h each time. The validation test showed that the average total content of iridoid glycosides from L. lucidum was 83.58 mg/g (RSD=0.94%, n=3). CONCLUSIONS: The optimal extraction process is stable and reasonable, and can be used for the extraction of iridoid glycosides from L. lucidum.