[Preparation and in vitro property evaluation of ß-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals].

This study aims to improve the solubility and bioavailability of daidzein by preparing the ß-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals. Specifically, the nanocrystals were prepared with daidzein as a model drug, PEG_(20000), Carbomer_(940), and NaOH as a plasticizer, a gelling agent, and a crosslinking agent, respectively. A two-step method was employed to prepare the ß-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocystals. First, the insoluble drug daidzein was embedded in ß-cyclodextrin to form inclusion complexes, which were then encapsulated in the PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals. The optimal mass fraction of NaOH was determined as 0.8% by the drug release rate, redispersability, SEM morphology, encapsulation rate, and drug loading. The inclusion status of daidzein nanocrystals was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), and X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis to verify the feasibility of the preparation. The prepared nanocrystals showed the average Zeta potential of(-30.77±0.15)mV and(-37.47±0.64)mV and the particle sizes of(333.60±3.81)nm and(544.60±7.66)nm before and after daidzein loading, respectively. The irregular distribution of nanocrystals before and after daidzein loading was observed under SEM. The redispersability experiment showed high dispersion efficiency of the nanocrystals. The in vitro dissolution rate of nanocrystals in intestinal fluid was significantly faster than that of daidzein, and followed the first-order drug release kinetic model. XRD, FTIR, and TGA were employed to determine the polycrystalline properties, drug loading, and thermal stability of the nanocrystals before and after drug loading. The nanocrystals loaded with daidzein demonstrated obvious antibacterial effect. The nanocrystals had more significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa than daidzein because of the improved solubility of daidzein. The prepared nanocrystals can significantly increase the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of the insoluble drug daidzein.

Chitosan/xanthan gum-based (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-co-2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) interpenetrating hydrogels for controlled release of amorphous solid dispersion of bioactive constituents of Pueraria lobatae.

Pueraria lobatae (Willd) Ohwi is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat alcohol intoxication, diabetes, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Some of its active components include the flavonoids puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, and genistin. The therapeutic efficacy of these agents is hampered by their poor pharmacokinetic profiles (rapid systemic clearance, low oral bioavailability, short half-life) and physicochemical properties (such as poor aqueous solubility and stability). In the current study, chitosan/xanthan gum-based (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) hydrogels for the controlled release of Pueraria lobata-solid dispersion (SD) were successfully prepared and characterized. A total of 61 compounds were identified in the Pueraria lobatae-SD using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Hydrogel structure was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM showed a porous structure. Correlations between hydrogels structural properties was also investigated. The hydrogels showed higher swelling after 48 h at pH 1.2 (21.15 %) than pH 7.4 (15.91 %). In vitro drug release study demonstrated that drug release was maximum at pH 1.2 (63 %) compared to pH 7.4 (49 %) after 48 h. The gel fraction of the synthesized hydrogel was increased with the increase in the polymer and crosslinker concentrations. Furthermore, in vitro studies demonstrated that the developed hydrogels possess good antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Investigation of the potential curative effects of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-cold type of common cold using multidimensional analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction (GJGD) is a classical Chinese medicine prescription that has been widely used in clinical practice for centuries. In recent times, TCM has received considerable attention for its potential efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold. However, the effect of the Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on the wind-cold type of common cold is still not fully understood, which presents challenges for both quality control, research and development. Furthermore, the identification of potential pharmacodynamic ingredients (PPIs) is important for developing quality control procedures for industrial and large-scale production. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential curative effect of Gui-Zhi-Jia-Ge-Gen decoction on wind-type of common cold using multidimensional qualitative analysis that combined water-decoction spectrums, in vivo plasma spectrums, and molecular docking to identify key constituents of GJGD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water-based GJGDs were formulated according to the clinical usage documented in ancient medical texts. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was combined with computer-aided modeling screening to identify GJGD PPIs in rats following oral administration. Molecular docking experiments were carried out to predict the binding affinity of the PPIs to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Finally, the active ingredients of GJGD were further validated through pharmacodynamic experiments by assessing their efficacy in treating a wind-cold type of common cold in rats. RESULTS: A total of 61 compounds were identified in the GJGD, 8 of which were detected in rat blood samples, providing stronger evidence for PPIs. Molecular docking also confirmed that these 8 compounds had a better affinity for TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß. In animal studies, various doses of the GJGD groups and the positive control groups caused significant elevations (P < 0.05) in the levels of white blood cell count and lymphocyte ratio and caused a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the monocyte ratio and neutrophilic granulocyte ratio compared to the model group. Organ indexes of the GJGD treated groups were higher than the model group (P < 0.05). Significant neutrophil infiltration, hemorrhage, compensatory vacuole, and interstitium proliferation were observed in the lung tissue of the model group. However, the lung tissues of the various dose groups that received GJGD showed a near normal appearance, except for slight thickening, interstitium proliferation, and compensatory vacuole in some areas. The GJGD was found to be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold, which is in accordance with molecular docking studies suggesting that GJGD may be effective against a cold-wind type of common cold. Finally, based on multidimensional analysis, 8 potential compounds in GJGD were identified as PPIs (puerarin, 3'-hydroxy puerarin, 3'- methoxy puerarin, daidzin, cinnamic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid). CONCLUSION: The present study combined water decoction spectral analysis, molecular docking, and in vivo blood plasma spectrum analysis to develop a multidimensional qualitative approach for the development of GJGD and to assess its effectiveness in a wind type of common cold in Sprague Dawley rats. Meanwhile, 8 compounds in the GJGD were identified as PPIs in this study, which may be useful in developing quality standards for complex TCM prescriptions.

[Quality value transfer of material benchmark of Guizhi Jia Gegen Decoction].

A total of 15 batches of the substance reference of Guizhi Jia Gegen Decoction(GZGGD) were prepared and the characteristic fingerprints of them were established. Furthermore, the similarity of the fingerprints and peak attributes were explored. The extraction rate, and the content and the transfer rate ranges of the index components, puerarin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin, and ammonium glycyrrhizate were determined for the analysis of the quality value transfer. The result demonstrated that the fingerprints of the 15 batches of the samples showed high similarity(>0.99). A total of 15 characteristic peaks were identified from the fingerprints, with 10 for Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 1 for Cinnamomi Ramulus, 2 for Paeoniae Radix Alba, and 2 for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The content of puerarin was 11.05-18.35 mg·g~(-1) and the average transfer rate was 21.27%-39.49%. The corresponding figures were 7.95-10.90 mg·g~(-1) and 23.28%-43.23% for paeoniflorin, 3.25-4.95 mg·g~(-1) and 32.31%-61.27% for ammonium glycyrrhizate, and 3.65-5.80 mg·g~(-1) and 14.57%-27.05% for liquiritin. The extraction rate of the 15 batches of samples was in the range of 16.85%-21.78%. In this paper, the quality value transfer of the substance reference of GZGGD was analyzed based on characteristic fingerprint, content of index components, and the extraction rate. This study is expected to lay a basis for the quality control and further development of GZGGD.

[Drying effect of Chinese medicinal pills based on new spiral vibration drying technology].

The present study explored the drying effect of new spiral vibration drying technology on Chinese medicinal pills with Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Zhuanggu Guanjie Pills, and Muxiang Shunqi Pills as model drugs. With the drying uniformity, drying time, energy consumption, pill split, dissolution time, and change of index components as evaluation indicators, the drying effect of spiral vibration drying technology on model drugs was evaluated and compared with traditional drying methods, such as hot air drying and vacuum drying in the oven. The dynamic changes of moisture in Liuwei Dihuang Pills with different drying time were investigated. Compared with the traditional drying methods in the oven(hot air drying and vacuum drying) at 80 ℃, the spiral vibration drying only took 80 min, shortened by 80%, with 10%-13% energy consumed. The results showed that the moisture of Liuwei Dihuang Pills was negatively related to the drying time. By virtue of multi-layer countercurrent drying and super resonant fluidization techniques, the new spiral vibration drying technology can significantly improve the drying quality of Chinese medicinal pills, improve the drying efficiency, and enhance the manufacturing capacity of Chinese medicinal pills. This study is expected to provide references for the innovation and development of new drying technology of Chinese medicinal pills.

Kudzu Resistant Starch: An Effective Regulator of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Kudzu is a traditional medicinal dietary supplement, and recent research has shown its significant benefits in the prevention/treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Starch is one of the main substances in Kudzu that contribute decisively to the treatment of T2DM. However, the underlying mechanism of the hypoglycemic activity is not clear. In this study, the effect of Kudzu resistant starch supplementation on the insulin resistance, gut physical barrier, and gut microbiota was investigated in T2DM mice. The result showed that Kudzu resistant starch could significantly decrease the value of fasting blood glucose and the levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein, as well as low-density lipoprotein, in the blood of T2DM mice. The insulin signaling sensitivity in liver tissue was analyzed; the result indicated that intake of different doses of Kudzu resistant starch can help restore the expression of IRS-1, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Glut4 and thus enhance the efficiency of insulin synthesis. Furthermore, the intestinal microorganism changes before and after ingestion of Kudzu resistant starch were also analyzed; the result revealed that supplementation of KRS helps to alleviate and improve the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota caused by T2DM. These results validated that Kudzu resistant starch could improve the glucose sensitivity of T2DM mice by modulating IRS-1/PI3K/AKT/Glut4 signaling transduction. Kudzu resistant starch can be used as a promising prebiotic, and it also has beneficial effects on the gut microbiota structure of T2DM mice.

Pharmacokinetics and Tissue Distribution of Combined Triptolide and Paeoniflorin Regimen for Percutaneous Administration in Rats Assessed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Triptolide (TP) has shown potential in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, but the narrow therapeutic window limits its clinical application. In clinical practice, the compatibility of Tripterygium wilfordii and Paeonia lactiflora is often used to attenuate the toxicity of TP, but its compatibility mechanism has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of a combined regimen of TP and paeoniflorin (PF) after transdermal administration in male and female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats via a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The results showed that after percutaneous administration of TP and PF, there was no significant difference in AUC (0-t) (area under the curve) of TP, the peak concentration decreased by 58.17%, and the peak time was delayed. The AUC (0-t) of PF increased significantly (P < 0.01), the peak-reaching concentration and AUC (0-∞) increased, and the half-life and average retention time were shortened, indicating that TP absorption in rats may be delayed. After percutaneous administration of TP and PF, the content of TP in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of male rats significantly decreased at 2 h (P < 0.05) and the drug concentration in the liver tissues significantly decreased at 2 h, 4 h, and 8 h (P < 0.05). The TP content in the spleen of female rats significantly decreased at 2 h and 4 h (P < 0.05) and also decreased in other tissues, but not significantly. After percutaneous administration of TP and PF, the PF content in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of male and female rats had no significant difference. However, after percutaneous administration of TP and PF, the TP concentration in the skin increased, suggesting that the amount of TP retained in the skin increased, thereby reducing its content in blood and tissues, producing a reduction in toxicity effect.

Uncovering the Protective Mechanism of the Volatile Oil of Acorus tatarinowii against Acute Myocardial Ischemia Injury Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation.

Acorus tatarinowii is a traditional aromatic resuscitation drug that can be clinically used to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The volatile oil of Acorus tatarinowii (VOA) possesses important medicinal properties, including protection against acute myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. However, the pharmacodynamic material basis and molecular mechanisms underlying this protective effect remain unclear. Using network pharmacology and animal experiments, we studied the mechanisms and pathways implicated in the activity of VOA against acute MI injury. First, VOA was extracted from three batches of Acorus tatarinowii using steam distillation, and then, its chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. Next, the components-targets and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using systematic network pharmacology. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were also conducted in order to predict the possible pharmacodynamic mechanisms. Furthermore, animal experiments including ELISAs, histological examinations, and Western blots were performed in order to validate the pharmacological effects of VOA. In total, 33 chemical components were identified in VOA, and ß-asarone was found to be the most abundant component. Based on network pharmacology analysis, the therapeutic effects of VOA against myocardial ischemia might be mediated by signaling pathways involving COX-2, PPAR-α, VEGF, and cAMP. Overall, the obtained results indicate that VOA alleviates the pathological manifestations of isoproterenol-hydrochloride-induced myocardial ischemia in rats, including the decreased SOD (superoxide dismutase) content and increased LDH (lactic dehydrogenase) content. Moreover, the anti-MI effect of VOA might be attributed to the downregulation of the COX-2 protein that inhibits apoptosis, the upregulation of the PPAR-α protein that regulates energy metabolism, and the activation of VEGF and cAMP signaling pathways.

Pulchinenosides from Pulsatilla Chinensis Increase P-Glycoprotein Activity and Induce P-Glycoprotein Expression.

Five pulchinenosides (pulchinenoside B3, pulchinenoside BD, pulchinenoside B7, pulchinenoside B10, and pulchinenoside B11) isolated from Pulsatilla chinensis (Bge) Regel saponins extract exhibited strong antitumor activities but poor gastrointestinal absorption properties. The enteric induction of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is understood to restrict the oral bioavailability of some pharmaceutical compounds and lead to adverse drug reactions. Therefore, the present investigation was intended to delineate the impacts of pulchinenosides on cellular P-gp function and expression using Sf9 membrane vesicles and LS180 cells as a surrogate of human intestinal epithelial cells. Preliminary cytotoxic studies showed that 10 µM was an acceptable concentration for cytotoxicity and antiproliferation studies for all pulchinenosides using the alamarBlue assay. The cell cycle of LS180 cells detected by flow cytometry was not significantly influenced after 48 hours of coincubation with 10 µM of pulchinenosides. In the presence of pulchinenosides, the ATP-dependent transport of N-methyl-quinidine mediated by P-glycoprotein was stimulated significantly. The upregulation of P-glycoprotein and mRNA levels was found by Western blot and real-time PCR analysis in LS180 cells. Parallel changes indicate that all pulchinenosides are exposed to pulchinenosides-mediated transcriptional regulation. In conclusion, pulchinenosides could induce P-glycoprotein expression and directly increase its functional activity.

PPTS Inhibits the TGF-ß1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Cancer SW480 Cells.

The current study investigates the inhibitory effects of Pulsatilla pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins extract (PPTS) on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggered by the transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in human colorectal cancer SW480 cell line, further illustrates the possible mechanism of PPTS inhibition of growth and invasion from the perspective of EMT, and provides new theoretical support for the treatment of tumor by Chinese medicine. The SW480 cells were treated in groups: blank control, TGF-ß1 (10 ng/mL), and varying concentrations of PPTS cotreated with TGF-ß1-induced (10 ng/mL) groups. CCK8 was used to detect cell viability; transwell was applied to detect invasion ability, cell migration ability was also determined, ELISA and RT-qPCR were utilized for the determination of CYP3A, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, N-cadherin, and MMP-9 expression. Flow cytometry detection was applied to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. The results obtained have shown that PPTS can significantly inhibit the invasion and migration of tumors in SW480 cells and can also block the S phase in the cell cycle but may produce cytotoxicity in higher doses. The present research work provides substantial evidence that PPTS has a significant inhibitory effect on TGF-ß1-induced EMT in SW480 cells and it also promotes apoptosis.

[Pharmacokinetics of skin and blood of Tripterygium wilfordii and Paeonia lactiflora micro-emulsion gel based on micro-dialysis technology].

To further investigate the metabolism of Tripterygium wilfordii and Paeonia lactiflora micro-emulsion gel in vivo,an LCMS/MS method was established for the determination of triptolide and paeoniflorin in T. wilfordii and P. lactiflora micro-emulsion gel.The extracorporeal recovery rate of blood probe was measured by concentration difference methods( incremental method and decremental method). Meanwhile,the skin and blood micro-dialysis methods of tripterine and paeoniflorin were established,and the pharmacokinetics of T. wilfordii microemulsion gel in skin and blood was studied by micro-dialysis combined with LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis. The results showed that the established method for the determination of triptolide and paeoniflorin in T. wilfordii microemulsion gel was well linear within the required range,and the specificity,recovery rate and degree of precision of the chromatography all conformed to the research requirements of micro-dialysis samples. The stability of freeze-thawing and the residual effect all conformed to the criteria of biological sample methodology. The probe recovery rates measured by incremental method and decremental method were almost consistent with the extracorporeal recovery rate test. The recovery rates of paeoniflorin in skin and blood micro-dialysis were( 30. 60±1. 09) % and( 28. 01± 1. 75) %,respectively. And the recovery rates of skin and blood micro-dialysis were( 26. 79 ± 2. 78) % and( 25. 39±1. 86) %,respectively. The intraday recovery rate of probes was stable within 11 h. The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that the Cmaxvalues of triptolide in skin and blood were( 148. 03±41. 51) and( 76. 77±15. 27) µg·L-1,respectively. And the Tmaxvalues were( 2. 33±0. 29) and( 3. 00± 0) h,respectively. The AUC0-11 hvalues were( 2 814. 05± 1 070. 37) and( 1 580. 63±208. 27) µg·h·L-1,respectively. The MRT0-11 hvalues were( 4. 20± 0. 33) and( 4. 54± 0. 34) h,respectively. The T1/2 values were( 4. 61±4. 11) and( 1. 07± 0. 13) h,respectively. The Cmaxvalues of paeoniflorin in skin and blood were( 991. 88 ± 152. 22) and( 407. 02±120. 06) µg·L-1,respectively. The Tmaxvalues were( 2. 00±0) h and( 2. 83±0. 29) h,respectively. The AUC0-11 hvalues were( 18 430. 27±3 289. 35) and( 6 338. 59 ± 1 659. 32) µg·h·L-1,respectively. The MRT0-11 hvalues were( 4. 29 ± 0. 16) and( 4. 00±0. 05) h,respectively. The T1/2 values were( 2. 16±0. 43) and( 1. 78±0. 48) h,respectively. The results suggested that micro-emulsion gel played a role in forming skin reservoir through percutaneous penetration. It not only could improve drug transdermal efficiency,but also control the sustained release of drug and form a long-term effect.

[Establishment of skin and joint micro-dialysis sampling method of triptolide in vivo by HPLC-MS/MS].

To detect the concentration of triptolide in skin and joint after percutaneous administration,an HPLC-MS/MS method and skin and joint micro-dialysis( MD) method of triptolide were established in this study. The separation was achieved on triple quadrupole( AB QTRAP4500) and phenomenex-C18( 4. 6 mm×150 mm,5 µm,luna) column with acetonitrile-water with 0. 1% formic acid( 65 ∶35) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0. 7 m L·min-1. An electrospray ionization( ESI) source was applied and operated in the positive multiple reaction monitoring( MRM) mode. The fragment ion for triptolide was m/z 361. 1→145. 0. The effects of different perfusion [Ringer's,PBS( p H 7. 4),30% ethanol saline]drug concentrations and flow rates on the recovery rate,as well as the relationship between the recovery rate and the loss rate were determined by incremental( dialysis) and reduction( retrodialysis) methods.The reduction method was applied in the in vivo study to investigate and determine the stability of the probe recovery rate in 10 h. The results of HPLC-MS/MS detection method conformed to the requirements of biological samples. The perfusion fluid was 30% ethanol saline. The recovery rate of skin and joint probes in vitro of triptolide increased within the flow rate of 0. 5-2. 5 µL·min-1. In order to increase the timeliness of data and the accuracy,the flow rate was determined to be 1 µL·min-1,and the sample interval was determined to be 0. 5 h. The recovery rate of triptolide in skin and joint probes in vitro and the loss rate were stable and equal despite of change of triptolide concentration within 10-200 µg·L-1. This indicated that the effect of drug concentration on the MD probe recovery rate was small,and the recovery rate could be replaced by the loss rate. The loss rate in vivo using MD method was measured at 10 h,indicating that the transfer rate of triptolide was stable within 10 h. The established method of triptolide in MD and HPLC-MS/MS can be applied to investigate the kinetic in skin and joint after percutaneous administration of triptolide.

[Preparation and evaluation of four kinds of mixed essential oil liposomes in Jieyu Anshen Formula].

In order to increase the stability and solubility of essential oil in Jieyu Anshen Formula, this study was to prepare the essential oil into liposomes. In this experiment, the method for the determination of encapsulation efficiency of liposomes was established by ultraviolet spectrophotometer and dextran gel column. The encapsulation efficiency and particle size of liposomes were used as evaluation indexes for single factor investigation and Box-Behnken design-response surface method was used to optimize the design. Then the optimal formulation of volatile oil liposome was characterized using methyleugenol, elemin, ß-asarone and α-asarone as index components. Finally, the in vitro transdermal properties of liposomes were studied by modified Franz diffusion cell. The results showed that the concentration of lecithin, the mass ratio of lecithin to volatile oil, and the stirring speed were the three most significant factors affecting the liposome preparation. The optimum formulation of volatile oil liposome was as follows: the concentration of lecithin was 7 g·L~(-1); mass ratio of lecithin to volatile oil was 5∶1; and the stirring speed was 330 r·min~(-1). Under such conditions, the prepared liposomes had blue emulsion light, good fluidity, half translucent, with particle size of(102.6±0.35) nm, Zeta potential of(-17.8±0.306) mV, permeability of(1.67±1.01)%, and stable property if liposome was stored at 4 ℃. 24 h after percutaneous administration, the cumulative osmotic capacity per unit time was(30.485 2±1.238 9),(34.794 8±0.928 3),(26.677 1±1.171 7),(3.066 2±0.175 3) µg·cm~(-2)respectively for methyleugenol, elemin, ß-asarone and α-asarone. In vitro transdermal behaviors of methyleugenol, elemin, ß-asarone and α-asarone in liposomes were all consistent with Higuchi equation. The prepared volatile oil liposomes met the relevant quality requirements, providing a reference for further research on preparation of multi-component Chinese medicine essential oil liposomes.

[Effects of Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil on transdermal absorption of ferulic acid in Chuanxiong].

The aim of this paper was to explore the effects of Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil on transdermal absorption, and investigate the mechanism of permeation on the microstructure and molecular structure of stratum corneum. Through the determination of stratum corneum/medium partition coefficient of ferulicacid in Chuanxiong influenced by Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil, the effects of volatile oil of frankincense and Myrrh on the the microscopic and molecular structure of stratum corneum were explored by observation of skin stratum corneum structure under scanning electron microscopy, and investigation of frankincense and myrrh essential oil effects on the molecular structure of keratin and lipids in stratum corneum under Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the oil could enhance the distribution of ferulic acid in the stratum corneum and medium, and to a certain extent damaged the imbricate structure of stratum corneum which was originally regularly, neatly, and closely arranged; some epidermal scales turned upward, with local peeling phenomenon. In addition, frankincense and myrrh essential oil caused the relative displacement of CH2 stretching vibration peak of stratum corneum lipids and amide stretching vibration peak of stratum corneum keratin, indicating that frankincense and myrrh essential oil may change the conformation of lipid and keratin in the stratum corneum, increase the bilayer liquidity of the stratum corneum lipid, and change the orderly and compact structure to increase the skin permeability and reduce the effect of barrier function. It can be concluded that Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil can promote the permeation effect by increasing the distribution of drugs in the stratum corneum and changing the structure of the stratum corneum.