Objective: To investigate dissolvability of Danhuang gel extract and its active components (chrysophanol and berberine) in commonly used solvents in topical preparations

and to determine oil-water partition coefficient of chrysophanol and berberine in Danhuang gel extract. Method: Dissolvability of Danhuang gel extract and its index components (chrysophanol and berberine) were determined by precipitation method and dissolvability method

oil-water partition coefficient of chrysophanol and berberine were determined by shaking flask method. Result: Danhuang gel extract

chrysophanol and berberine had optimum solubility in propylene glycol

solubility of them were 8.25

60.17

353.01 mg ·L-1;Oil-water partition coefficients of chrysophanol and berberine in Danhuang gel extract were affected by pH. Conclusion: Danhuang gel extract and its index components could be better dissolved in propylene glycol and ethanol;Chrysophanol and berberine had certain fat-soluble and water-soluble in suitable pH

which was beneficial for transdermal absorption.