[Percutaneous absorption of aconitine and mesaconitine in extracts of Radix Aconitum kusnezoffii].

OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to evaluate the percutaneous absorption of aconitine and mesaconitine in extracts of Radix Aconitum kusnezoffii. METHODS The extracts of Radix Aconitum kusnezoffii were collected by using Franz diffusion cells after permeation through the skin of rats. Then rate constants of skin permeation of aconitine and mesaconitine were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS Under the condition that the concentrations of azone and propylene glycol were both 4%, the cumulative doses of skin permeation (Q) of mesaconitine and aconitine in the extracts of Radix Aconitum kusnezoffii (600 mg/ml) for 24 hours were 165.819 and 487.747 microg/cm(2) respectively, and their rate constants of skin permeation were 18.391 and 78.805 microg.cm(-2).h(-1) respectively. CONCLUSION The aconitine and mesaconitine in the extracts of Radix Aconitum kusnezoffii can penetrate well through the skin of rats. Propylene glycol and azone can promote this penetration effects. The formula of skin permeation of mesaconitine and aconitine is in accordance with Higuchi equation and there is a linear relationship between Q and t(1/2).