A novel vitamin C analog, 2-O-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid: examination of enzymatic synthesis and biological activity

2-O-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid (AA2βG) isolated from a popular traditional Chinese food (Lycium fruit) was synthesized using cellulase derived from Trichoderma sp. with cellobiose as a glucose donor. 6-O-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl)ascorbic acid as well as AA2βG was also synthesized in this reaction. The vitamin C activity of AA2βG was also evaluated using inherently scorbutic (osteogenic disorder Shionogi [ODS]) rats. The rats were fed vitamin C-deficient food and water containing AA2βG for 21. AA2βG supported their growth and the level of vitamin C in tissues was moderately maintained. The vitamin C level in some tissues depended on the hydrolytic activity of AA2βG (β-glucosidase activity) although the correlation was not statistically significant (P=0.08). The results indicate that AA2βG has pro-vitamin C activity.