Objective: To compare in vitro release and percutaneous absorption behavior of Fuxiong creams and Fuxiong cataplasms

then to investigate feasibility of an improved formulation of this compound. Method: Modified Franz diffusion device was employed

with isolated rat skin as a barrier

in vitro percutaneous absorption effectiveness of different formulations of Fuxiong prescription was compared by in vitro percutaneous test.HPLC was used to determine contents of chrysophanol and emodin with mobile phase of methanol-0.3% phosphoric acid solution(67:33) and detection wavelength at 254 nm. Result: Cumulative permeation amount(Q) of chrysophanol in cataplasms at various time points after adminstration and Q of emodin in cataplasms at other time points after administration of 2 h were higher than these in creams

compared with creams

Q of emodin and chrysophanol in cataplasms from various time points after administration of 8 h had significant differences.In vitro percutaneous absorption behavior of emodin and chrysophanol in creams and cataplasms were in line with zero-level process

in vitro percutaneous penetration in 2-24 h nearly constant speed;Penetration curve equations of chrysophanol and emodin in cataplasms were Q=0.824 1t+1.973 9(r=0.917 7)

Q=0.597 7t+1.075 7(r=0.959 7)

while that of chrysophanol and emodin in creams were Q=0.524 4t+1.715 3(r=0.954 5)

Q=0.297 2t+1.591 7(r=0.925 4).Cumulative permeability of chrysophanol and emodin in cataplasms were 77.12% and 56.32% in 24 h

while that of chrysophanol and emodin in creams were 52.24% and 31.16%

respectively. Conclusion: Cataplasms had good percutaneous absorption

and penetrate was better than creams

this study showed that formulations improved of Fuxiong prescription was feasible.