Abstract:To investigate the effects of Azone, borneol and peppermint oil on the in vitro transdermal absorption of artemether ointment. Methods:In an intelligent transdermal test instrument, the cumulative permeating amounts and percutaneous rates of artemether containing different enhancers was determined by HPLC, using the abdominal skin of mice as penetration barrier. Results:2% Azone, 2% borneol, 2% peppermint oil, 2% Azone+2% borneol and 2% Azone+2% peppermint oil were found to have different degree penetration enhancing effect, followed successively by 2% Azone+2% peppermint oil>2% Azone+2% borneol>2% peppermint oil>2% borneol>2% Azone. Conclusion:Using peppermint oil alone or with Azone promotes transdermal absorption of artemether significantly and the combination of peppermint oil with Azone has the best penetration enhancing effect.