In the niche world of specialty aroma chemicals and bioactive natural compounds, β-elemene (also known as beta-elemene or (-)-β-elemene, CAS 515-13-9) emerges as a truly distinctive sesquiterpene. Naturally occurring in traditional Chinese medicinal plants from the Zingiberaceae family (such as Curcuma wenyujin), it captivates with its elegant, fresh tulip-like floral fragrance—a sophisticated, green-floral note with subtle herbal nuances that sets it apart from common floral ingredients.
This unique tulip accord makes β-elemene a sought-after specialty building block for premium fine fragrances, flavor formulations, and aromatherapy compositions. Perfumers and flavorists use it to craft refined, hard-to-replicate floral profiles—adding airy freshness, natural elegance, and complexity to modern luxury scents, niche perfumes, and innovative edible flavor systems.
The Aromatic Allure and Versatile Applications of β-Elemene
With its volatile, characteristic tulip-like scent—fresh, floral, and subtly green—β-elemene delivers a rare aromatic identity that enhances sophistication in fragrance creation:
- In fine perfumery and aroma compounds: Perfect for floral, green-floral, and tulip-inspired accords; imparts airy lift and distinctive elegance to white florals, modern chypres, or niche botanical compositions where conventional materials fall short.
- In flavors and functional fragrances: Contributes subtle herbal-floral notes to gourmet flavors, beverages, or personal care products like lotions, soaps, and diffusers—elevating naturalness and sophistication.
- In aromatherapy and wellness: Its calming, fresh profile supports therapeutic scent applications.
Its molecular formula C₁₅H₂₄ and high ≥98% purity (with ≥99% options for pharmaceutical/research grades) ensure exceptional clarity, consistency, and performance with minimal impurities.
Beyond its olfactory excellence, β-elemene is renowned in scientific and pharmaceutical circles for its broad-spectrum anti-tumor activity. As a naturally derived sesquiterpene, it demonstrates:
- Effective crossing of the blood-brain barrier
- Low toxicity and minimal side effects
- Ability to reverse multidrug resistance in cancer therapies
- Mechanisms including apoptosis induction, proliferation inhibition, and synergy with existing chemotherapeutics (e.g., enhancing cisplatin or erlotinib efficacy in lung, breast, and other cancers)
Ongoing research continues to explore its potential in oncology, positioning β-elemene as a promising candidate for safer, more effective cancer treatments and bioactive wellness products.
Overcoming Supply Barriers: The Biosynthetic Breakthrough
Traditional sourcing from plants yields only trace amounts, severely limiting availability and driving up costs. Chemical total synthesis, while possible, relies on toxic reagents—making it environmentally unsustainable and commercially challenging for scale.
Genvera Labs has pioneered an advanced synthetic biology platform using engineered microbial systems. This innovative, green biosynthetic route delivers:
- High-efficiency production far surpassing plant extraction
- Exceptional purity (≥98%, up to ≥99%) and batch-to-batch consistency
- True industrial scalability without raw material constraints
- Zero hazardous chemicals for a fully sustainable, eco-friendly supply chain
This breakthrough provides reliable access for pharmaceutical companies, fragrance houses, flavor manufacturers, and functional ingredient developers—fueling advancements in oncology, distinctive scent innovation, and bioactive formulations.
β-Elemene Specifications at a Glance
- Product Name: β-Elemene (beta-Elemene, (-)-β-Elemene)
- CAS Number: 515-13-9
- Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₄
- Purity: ≥98% (high-purity commercial/analytical grade; ≥99% for pharmaceutical/research)
- Key Applications: Aromatherapy with Fragrances, Fine Fragrance & Flavor Formulations, Pharmaceutical Applications (anti-tumor research & therapeutic use), Functional Ingredients & Bioactive Products
Genvera Labs' Competitive Edge
- Unmatched Purity — ≥98% (often ≥99%) maximizes bioactivity, therapeutic potential, and clean aromatic performance.
- Sustainable Bio-based Manufacturing — Microbial engineering eliminates environmental drawbacks of plant extraction or toxic synthesis.
- Customizable Supply Solutions — Flexible specs, scalable volumes, and expert formulation support tailored to your project—whether developing a signature tulip-floral perfume, advancing cancer research, or creating next-gen wellness ingredients.
As demand grows for rare, multifunctional naturals that blend captivating fragrance with proven therapeutic value, β-elemene stands out as a game-changer. Its tulip-like signature offers unmatched elegance in perfumery, while its anticancer properties open doors to innovative pharmaceuticals.
Ready to incorporate high-purity, sustainably biosynthesized β-elemene into your fragrance, flavor, or therapeutic pipeline? Contact Genvera Labs for technical data, samples, bulk inquiries, or collaboration opportunities today.