The crude terpenoid product can be recrystallized prior to chromatography, or the semi-pure terpenoid can be recrystallized after chromatography, from solvents such as ethyl acetate, chloroform or benzene, optionally in admixture with an aliphatic hydrocarbon having 5-7 carbon atoms, or preferably from petroleum ether, hexane, or pentane, to obtain the product, Coleforsin.