One of the isomers of elemene, a lipid soluble sesquiterpene and the active component isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Rhizoma zedoariae with potential antineoplastic and chemopreventive activities. Although the exact mechanism of action through which beta-elemene exerts its effect has yet to be fully elucidated, this agent appears to induce apoptosis through different mechanisms of action and induces cell cycle arrest at different stages based on the tumor cell type involved. Beta-elemene may sensitize cancer cells to other chemotherapeutic agents. or A type of bacterium often found in the vagina. It can cause systemic infections in people with suppressed immune systems.