A microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed for simultaneous extraction of hydrosoluble phenolic acids and liposoluble tanshinones in Salviae Miltiorrhizae radix. The key parameters considered for the MAE included solvent type, temperature, microwave power, solvent to material ratio and extraction time. Multiple response optimization based on desirability functions was used to optimize MAE process. Simultaneous extraction of the hydrosoluble and liposoluble components was demonstrated to be feasible by MAE. Selecting of solvent was the first important factor. The mixed solvent of methanol and water (80:20, v/v) was the most suitable extractant. The optimized parameters of MAE were: employing 80% methanol as solvent, microwave power 800 W, temperature 70 degrees C, ratio of liquid/solid 35 mL/g and extraction time 7.5 min. Compared to conventional extraction methods, the developed MAE showed the highest extraction yield within the shortest time and the advantage of preventing degradation of components. The results showed an improved method for simultaneous extraction of hydrosoluble and liposoluble components. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.