Curcumin(N1),demethoxycurcumin(N2) and bisdemethoxycurcumin(N3) were isolated from the extract of Curcuma longa(turmeric),and curcumin derivatives(N11~N14) were synthesized.Curcuminoids and curcumin derivatives were evaluated in vitro for the aldose reductase inhibitory activity.The results showed that curcuminoids and curcumin derivatives with hydroxyl or carboxyl acid groups exerted inhibitory activities on aldose reductase,and curcuminoid(N1) and curcumin derivative compound(N13) exhibited potential inhibitory activities.