Explore the Auxiliary Effect of Ultrasound Penetration Promotion on Anti-inflammatory Effects of Natural Ingredients

Skin barrier damaged is often accompanied by the occurrence of skin inflammation. As a natural flavonoid compound, rutin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is helpful to repair the damaged skin barrier. However, its low water solubility limits oral bioavailability, prompting external application. The problem with external application is that it struggles to penetrate the epidermal spinous to hinder its anti-inflammatory efficacy. Considering the application of ultrasonic cavitation, ultrasound-assisted rutin permeation is proposed and validated through in-vitro diffusion studies and in-vivo nude mouse skin studies. The cumulative permeation per unit area and intradermal retention of rutin were used as in-vitro diffusion research indicators, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and dermoscopy images were used to observe the recovery of nude mouse skin. The results showed that the cumulative permeation per unit area and intradermal retention after 12 hours of ultrasound-assisted diffusion were 1.99 times and 2.86 times that of the blank control group, respectively (p < 0.01). At the same time, ultrasound-assisted rutin treatment can reduce the TEWL value faster than self-repair and rutin treatment. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted rutin treatment improves rutin permeability and offers a promising approach to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of rutin and repair the skin barrier.