A method for extracting antineoplastic component from Bupleurum
scorzonerifolium applicable in treating cell proliferative disorder is
proposed. The antineoplastic components of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium
include at least a Y-butyolactone centred heterocyclic compound with a Z
configuration or E configuration at its carbon 2(5) position, and
molecules, such as Chaihulactone, Isochaihulactone, Chaihulactone
analogues or derivatives containing in the heterocyclic compound. From
results of cell and molecular biological studies, in vivo animal test,
and histological study, it is found that antineoplastic components
extracted from Bupleurum scorzonerifolium are effective in suppressing a
variety of cancer cell growths, inhibiting telomerase activity, as well
as effective in killing with high specificity Taxol-resistant tumor cells
at later stage of chemical therapy, making the components a new choice
for anti-cancer agent, anti-HIV agent, or synergistic agent.