Aldose reductase inhibition of Rosa hybrida petals and its active component, kaempferol

Abstract

The aldose reductase inhibitory activity of extracts from Rosa hybrida petals was evaluated, and a bioactive flavonoid, kaempferol, was isolated from petals via bioassay-guided isolation. Kaempferol was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of R. hybrida and was shown to exhibit strong inhibition against aldose reductase (IC50 = 0.02 mu M). Quantitative analyses of kaempferol in R. hybrida petals, different flower parts, and different Rosa species were also performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. This study is the first to establish that R. hybrida contains kaempferol and that the light-pink petals of this edible rose species exhibit the highest content of the naturally occurring aldose reductase inhibitor. The results of this study suggested the potential role of R. hybrida petals in the treatment and management of diabetic complications via aldose reductase inhibition.