RESUMEN
Objective To optimize the color conditions of spectrophotometric determination of total saponins in Fructus Trichosanthis. Methods Several factors affecting the content determination of total saponins in Fructus Trichosanthis were studied, including the color temperature, color time, 5% vanillin-acetic acid dosage, as well as the amount of perchloric acid. The analysis conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method. Results The optimized conditions were: temperature 60°C, the col or time 25 min, 5% vanillin-acetic acid 0.1 ml and perchloric 0.6 ml. The color was stable and the determination results were accurate. Conclusion The color conditions determined by Box-Behnken response surface method can be used for content determination of total saponins in Fructus Trichosanthis.