The Progress on Analytical Methods and Isolated Techniques on the Development of β-Elemene

OBJECTIVE To review the progress of β-elemene on the analytical methods and isolated techniques. METHODS This article provides an overview about the structures of elemene’s cis-trans isomers and optical isomers of β-elemene, the analytical methods and isolated techniques of β-elemene, and further comment of advantages and disadvantages on the extraction and isolation of β-elemene from natural products. RESULTS and CONCLUSION β-elemene will be well detected by gas or liquid chromatography plus spectrum techniques, like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrum (MS). β-elemene is contained on a host of essential oils and will be well isolated by the combined techniques of vacuum distillation and column chromatography.