Abstract:
A composition comprising an extract of Phyllostachys nigra MUNRO, a fraction thereof or a compound isolated from the fraction is provided to inhibit accumulation of sorbitol, a fundamental cause of nephropathy and neuropathy shown as diabetic complications, by inhibiting aldose reductase, thereby being used as a pharmaceutical composition or a health food for preventing diseases related to the diabetic complications. A method for isolating a compound from Phyllostachys nigra MUNRO comprises the steps of: (a) extracting the Phyllostachys nigra MUNRO with ethanol and filtering the extract; (b) concentrating and freeze-drying the filtrate to obtain an extract; (c) fractionating an ethylacetate layer from the extract using a separation funnel; and (d) subjecting the fraction to silica gel column chromatography using CH2Cl2-MeOH as a solvent to obtain orientin, luteolin 6-C-(6''-O-transcaffeoylglucoside), tricetin 3',4',5'-trimethyl ether 7-O-b-D-glucopyranoside, tricine, p-coumaric acid or cis-coumaric acid. A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy or diabetic nephropathy comprises the obtained compound as an effective ingredient.