Natural novel vitamin C derivative, 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid: Resources, biosynthesis, and applications

As the only naturally occurring stable derivative of L-ascorbic acid (AA; vitamin C), 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2βG) is hydrolyzed in vivo to release active AA. AA-2βG exhibits strong antioxidant and antiphotoaging effects comparable to those of AA, and it plays a key role in maintaining organismal health. Owing to its superior stability and bioavailability, AA-2βG is considered as a promising, longer-lasting natural alternative to conventional vitamin C. It was first identified and is particularly abundant in Lycii Fructus (Gouqizi in Chinese) but has been detected in several crop plants. This review offers a comprehensive overview of recent advances in AA-2βG research, covering key aspects including discovery, structure, natural sources, extraction and detection methods, chemical and in vitro enzymatic synthesis, biosynthetic pathways, as well as applications in health care, skin care, and functional foods. Additionally, we highlight strategies for leveraging plant resources and enhancing AA-2βG biosynthesis, which are expected to accelerate future research and support the sustainable development and utilization of AA-2βG and other high-value natural products.