Objective:In this paper

21 kinds of pungent essential oils (EOs)

which have been used as penetration enhancers(PE)

were chosen to analyze the preliminary regulation between the penetration-enhancing effect of EOs and drug property characteristics of Chinese materia medica (CMM) on the same platform. Method:Firstly

19 EOs were extracted by steam distillation

while turpentine oil and peppermint oil were purchased and used directly.Then the volatility values of them were measured.The chemical compositions of EOs were analyzed by GC-MS.In vitro permeation studies with modified Franz diffusion cell method were applied to evaluate the transdermal penetration enhancement effect of the 21 EOs.Finally

independent sample T test

together with multiple correspondence analysis

were applied to analysis experimental data for the purpose to illustrate the relationship between volatility

drug properties of 21 EOs and the enhancing efficiency

respectively. Result:No correlation was found between the volatility and the permeation enhancing effect of EOs.However

four natures played an important role in promoting the transdermal absorption of ibuprofen

moreover

the penetration-enhancing effect of EOs with hot nature was significantly higher than that of warm nature (P<0.05).EOs with the properties of pungent and bitter

spleen channel might be superior in promoting activity towards the skin permeation of drugs. Conclusion:The penetration enhancing effect of pungent EOs are affected by drug property characteristics of CMM

especially four natures.