Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for isolating and/or purifying one or more taxanes from materials comprising taxanes. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) treating a taxane containing material with an amino containing material attached to a solid matrix, such as a polyethyleneimine-bonded silica chromatographic resin; (b) eluting the desired taxane compound from the resin; and (c) recovering the eluted taxane compound.

Abstract: A process for harvesting yew biomass and a process of making Yew pellets from Yew tree material is disclosed herein. The process for harvesting comprising the steps of (i) harvesting the tops or roots of the Yew tree; (ii) washing the harvested material; (iii) drying the harvested material; and (iv) grinding the harvested material into a fine powder. The process for making Yew pellets comprising the steps of (i) adding from about 1% to about 20% w/w water to the Yew tree material; and (ii) compressing the Yew tree material in a die to form a pellet whereby the resulting pellet has a final moisture content of less than 10% by weight. The yew pellets produced herein are suitable for extracting taxane molecules from the pellets.