Objective: To study in vitro transdermal absorption characteristics of main ingredients in Qingfei Tongluo paste (QFTLP) and investigate effect of different compatibility on transdermal characteristics of main ingredients. Method: Taking main ingredients in QFTLP as indexes

such as aloe-emodin

emodin

rhein

studies were carried out by in vitro transdermal absorption test and HPLC.In vitro transdermal properties of QFTLP was investigated

cumulative transdermal amount per unit area and transdermal rate were evaluated. Result: Cumulative transdermal amount per unit area and transdermal rate of emodin was the largest

followed by aloe-emodin

and rhein was the least.Transdermal time-lag of rhein was the longest (0.419 h)

emodin was the shortest (0.006 h).Penetration curve equations of emodin

aloe-emodin and rhein in QFTLP were Q=12.144t-14.880 (r=0.97)

Q=10.111t-3.886 (r=0.93)

Q=1.389t-0.583 (r=0.95).In overall prescription group

accumulation permeation amounts of emodin

aloe-emodin and rhein in 8 h were (86.059±0.168)

(83.079+3.303)

(12.819+0.569) μg · cm-2

transdermal rates were 12.144

10.111

1.389 μg · cm-2 · h-1

respectively;they had significant difference (P<0.05) by comparing with main formula group. Conclusion: In vitro percutaneous penetration of QFTLP complies with zero-order kinetics.Adjuvant compatibility can promote transdermal absorption of main ingredients.