2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl l-Ascorbic Acid, a Stable Form of Vitamin C, Is Widespread in Crop Plants

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c06330
• Publication Date: 2021-01-15T03:29:38Z
• Authors: Alistair T. Richa...; Tony K. McGhie; Sarah B. Cordiner; Teiarere T. H. St...; David S. Larsen; William A. Laing; Nigel B. Perry
• Keywords: Crops, Agricultural; Plant Leaves; 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; Fruit; Malus; Ascorbic Acid; 01 natural sciences

2-O-β-d-Glucopyranosyl l-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is a stable, bioavailable vitamin C (AA) derivative. We report the distribution and seasonal variation of AA-2βG in apples and its occurrence in other domesticated crops and in wild harvested Ma̅ori foods. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses showed high AA-2βG concentrations in crab apples (Malus sylvestris) but low concentrations in domesticated apples. Leaves of crab and domesticated apple cultivars contained similar intermediate AA-2βG concentrations. Fruits and leaves of other crops were analyzed: mainly Rosaceae but also Actinidiaceae and Ericaceae. AA-2βG was detected in all leaves (0.5-6.1 mg/100 g fr. wt.) but was at lower concentrations in most fruits (0.0-0.5 mg/100 g fr. wt.) except for crab apples (79.4 mg/100 g fr. wt.). Ma̅ori foods from Solanaceae, Piperaceae, Asteraceae, and a fern of Aspleniaceae also contained AA-2βG. This extensive occurrence suggests a general role in AA metabolism for AA-2βG.