Several hydrophilic and hydrophobic 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazole ionic liquids (ILs) were screened for their dissolution ability of luteolin to determine the IL suitable for extraction of luteolin from peanut shells. The experimental data indicated that hydrophilic 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium nitrate ([C(4)mim]NO3) shows considerably higher dissolution ability of luteolin than commonly used organic solvents and other ILs investigated, which can be used as an efficient substitute of organic solvent for extraction of luteolin. The extraction of luteolin from peanut shells was performed using [C(4)mim]NO3 aqueous solution as solvent, and extraction conditions were analyzed and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). Extraction temperature has significant effect on the yield of luteolin, followed by [C(4)mim]NO3 concentration. Under the optimal conditions namely liquid-solid ratio of 7.6 mLg(-1), temperature of 100 degrees C and [C(4)mim]NO3 aqueous solution of 49%, determined by RSM, the yield of luteolin was 79.8 +/- 1.48%, which was close to the 78.4% predicted by RSM. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.