Inhibition of aldose reductase activity by extracts from hops

Abstract

The inhibitory effect of beer on aldose reductase was investigated. Components present in beer strongly inhibited aldose reductase. Inhibition activity was observed primarily in the methanol-soluble fraction of the beer and active components were identified to be of hop origin. Further, a component was identified as iso-α-acids, which are well known as main bitter components of beer. The inhibition rate of iso-α-acids was similar to quercetin, which is known to be a strong inhibitor of aldose reductase activity.