Abstract:Anthocyanins are the main color substances of petals and fruits,with a variety of biological activities and health benefits.The purple petals of Elsholtzia stauntonii were used as experimental materials for the extraction of anthocyanin by the ultrasound-assisted method.The extraction conditions were optimized by single factor test and orthogonal test,and the stability and antioxidant activity of the extracted anthocyanin were evaluated.The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were as follows：a solid-liquid ratio of 1∶15 （g/mL）,an acidulous ethanol concentration of 70%,ultrasonic power of 100 W,and ultrasonic time of 30 min.Under these conditions,the yield of anthocyanin was as high as 5.09 mg/g.High temperatures （>70 ℃） and addition of Cu2+ and Fe2+ led to the degradation of anthocyanin.The antioxidant activity test in vitro showed that the anthocyanin extract of E.stauntonii petals had the same ability to scavenge hydroxyl free radicals as the same concentration of VC,while its total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher than that of VC.