Abstract: Recently we have applied the method of column chromatography, prepara-tive thin layer chrornatography(PTLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with mass-spectrometric detection, which enables us to finish the isolation and characterization of this kind of antitumor agents from 1-2 kg of sample of the plant within 1-2 months. In this experiment, we have successfully isolated and identified maytansine (I), maytanprine (II) and maytanbutine (III) from Maytenus austroyunnan- ensis S. J. Pei & Y. H. Li. and M. berberoides (W. W. Sm) S. J. Pei & Y. H. Li. respectively in this way.

Key words: chromatographic, fraction, maytansinoid