Objective: To optimize kinds and amounts of penetrating enhancers in Wenjing Zhitong gel paste. Method: Improved Franz diffusion cell was employed with isolated mice abdominal skin as barrier.Kinds and amounts of penetrating enhancers were optimized through kinetic parameters of percutaneous absorption

such as cumulative permeation quanity

penetration rate and enhancement ratio in way of HPLC

mobile phase was methanol-water(80: 20)

detection wavelength of ligustilide was set at 328 nm. Result: Combination of azone and propylene glycol was better than other kinds of enhancers for penetration effect

dosage of azone and propylene glycol was finally opitimized to be 4% of prescription dosage

ratio between azone and propylene glycol was 2: 1.Under these conditions

cumulative permeation quanity of ligustilide was 84.16 μg·cm-2

penetration rate of ligustilide was 3.28 μg·cm-2·h-1 and enhancement ratio was 3.33. Conclusion: Combination of azone and propylene glycol has significant penetration effect

which can be as an enhancer of Wenjing Zhitong gel paste.