Objective: To optimize the matrix formulation of Wumiao Shuixian cream gel and investigate its in vitro transdermal properties. Method: Taking composite score of viscosity and yield value at room temperature

viscosity and yield value at average temperature of skin and thixlotropy of gel matrix as index

orthogonal test was employed to optimize the formulation with amounts of propylene glycol

carbopol

triethanolamine and glycerol as factors.Modified Franz diffusion cell was adopted

HPLC was employed to simultaneous determine contents of gallic acid

berberine hydrochloride and β

β-dimethylacry lalkannin

effects of penetration enhancers on in vitro transdermal properties were investigated with the cumulative permeation amount of three active ingredients in 24 h as index. Result: Optimum formulation of gel matrix was made from 15 g of propylene glycol

4 g of carbopol-940

3 g of triethanolamine

20 g of glycerol and 6 g of menthol. Conclusion: The prepared Wumiao Shuixian cream gel has uniform and fine appearance

moderate viscosity and good spreadability with a favorable in vitro transdermal properties.