β-Elemene
1-Ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexane
Elemene · 1,3,11-Elematriene
化学組成 · Constituent
1-Ethenyl-1-methyl-2,4-bis-(1-methylethenyl)-cyclohexane
Elemene · 1,3,11-Elematriene
化学組成 · Constituent
β-Elemene is a notable sesquiterpene hydrocarbon for its pronounced anticancer activity. In China the compound is recognized as a national Class II drug.
Cardiovascular. β-Elemene inhibits angiogenesis in mice and in vitro. The antiangiogenic activity suggests caution in pregnancy.
Cancer. The compound is dose-dependently cytotoxic to multiple human cancer cell lines including leukemia, lung, ovarian, laryngeal, brain, breast, cervical, colon and prostate. The mechanism is primarily apoptosis. Clinical trials show effectiveness in managing malignant pleural and peritoneal effusions, with no bone marrow, liver, cardiac or renal toxicity.
No acute toxicity or dermal data were found.
| Atractylis | 18.0 % |
| Myrrh | 8.7 % |
| Katrafay | 3.0 – 6.0 % |
| Copaiba | 0 – 4.4 % |
| Valerian (European) | 0.1 – 3.0 % |
| Mango ginger | 2.8 % |
| Betel | 0 – 2.6 % |
| Magnolia leaf | 2.4 % |
| Magnolia flower | 2.3 % |
| Arina | 2.1 % |
| Zedoary | 1.5 – 1.9 % |
| Manuka | 0.6 – 1.6 % |
| Cangerana | 1.3 % |
| Elecampane | 1.2 % |
| Cubeb | 1.0 – 1.2 % |
| Catnip | 0 – 1.2 % |
| Turmeric (wild) | 1.0 – 1.1 % |
| Cedarwood (Port Orford) | 1.0 % |
| Finger root | 1.0 % |
| Juniperberry | 0 – 1.0 % |
In rats, β-elemene is rapidly absorbed and eliminated, widely distributed in the body after ip or iv administration. Protein binding is high. Only small amounts of unchanged compound are found in urine, feces and bile.
β-Elemene is an important constituent for the woody-earthy profile of myrrh and atractylis. Its anticancer activity has been extensively studied in China.