Objective To explore the effect of β-element on the oadiosensitivity of transplanted tumor, and its relationship with the expression of survivin. Methods The transplanted mice model was established through the cell suspension inoculation. The mice with transplanted tumor size of 0. 8-1.0 cm3 were randomly divided into 8 groups as blank control, 25, 45 and 100 mg/kg group, irradiation group,25 mg/kg + irradiation group, 45 mg/kg + irradiation group, 100 mg/kg + irradiation group. The tumor size was measured every other day until tumor size was double, and the growth curve was obtained. The average tumor growth inhibition rate of β-element and tumor size were attained at 2,4,6 and 8 d after β-element injection. The expression of survivin was detected with immunohistochemistry. Results The nude mice model was successfully established and the growth curves were obtained according to the tumor size.Between 2 and 8 d after β-elemene injection, the variation tendency of the average tumor growth inhibition rate was consistent with the size in β-elemene treatment groups. The antitumor effect of β-elemene was in a dose-dependent manner. The values of radiosensitivity enhancement factor were 0. 84,1.24,2.04 for 25,45 and 100 mg/kg group, respectively ,and the optimal dose was 45 mg/kg. β-element had little effect on the expression of survivin, and the expression of survivin significantly enhanced in irradiation group and decreased in β-element + irradiation groups. Conclusions β-elemene could enhance the tumor radiosensitivity through inhibitiong the expression of survivin.