Aldose reductase (AR), the key enzyme in the polyol pathway, plays an important role in the development of the diabetic complications. None of Aldose reductase Inhibitor (ARI) has achieved worldwide use because of limited efficacy or undesirable side effects. Therefore, evaluating natural sources for ARI potential may lead to the development of safer and more effective agents against diabetic complications. Fifty two Chinese herbal medicines have been investigated for inhibitory activities on AR. Among them, twelve herbal medicines, Artemisia anomala (aerial part), Centella asiatica (aerial part), Scutellaria baicalensis (root), Senecio chrysanthermoides (whole plant), Gleditsia japonica (twig), Zizyphus jujube (twig, leaf), Citrus aurantium (fruit), Hydnocarpus anthelmintica (fruit), Potaninia mongolica (aerial part), Tribulus terrestris (fruit), Artemisia apiacea (aerial part) and Eclipta prostrate (aerial part) exhibited a significant inhibitory activity against AR. Particularly, Artemisia anomala, Centella asiatica and Scutellaria baicalensis showed four times more potent inhibitory activity than the positive control, 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG).