Microwave-assisted extraction (MSE) of total flavones from propolis was studied in this paper. The influences of some factors, including ethanol content, microwave irradiation power, the extraction time and the solid-liquid ratio, on the extraction yield of those compounds were determined. The extracts were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Results indicated that the optimal extraction solvent, irradiation power¸ extraction time and the solid-liquid ratio were ethanol, 80%, 80 W, 1.5 min and 1:4, under which the highest extraction yield was obtained. Compared with traditional extraction methods, MSE was better for the extraction of total flavones from propolis due to the shorter extraction time and higher yield.