Publisher Summary This chapter discusses selected methods for the determination of ascorbic acid in animal cells, tissues, and fluids. Methods for determining ascorbic acid are numerous. In general, chemical analyses for the vitamin are divided into two groups; the determination of the reduced form and the determination of the oxidized form. The former group of analyses is usually based upon the oxidation–reduction properties of ascorbic acid. These are widely used as the fundamental reactions in the measurement of vitamin C. The latter group of analyses is usually based upon the oxidation of the ascorbic acid and the subsequent formation of a hydrazone or a fluorophore. Best results are obtained if samples, especially plasma, are quickly stabilized with either trichloroacetic acid or metaphosphoric acid and immediately analyzed. Prompt stabilization is especially important in the case of plasma or serum. The greater stability of ascorbic acid in acid solution is because of the decreased tendency for the hydrolysis of the lactone ring with decreasing pH.

Selected methods for the determination of ascorbic acid in animal cells, tissues, and fluids

The determination of ascorbic acid in whole blood and urine through the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative of dehydroascorbic acid

Some pharmacological actions of curcumin (diferuloyl methane) have been examined in rats, mice and cats. The compound possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute as well as in chronic models of inflammation. It is as potent as phenylbutazone in the carrageenan oedema test but only half as potent in chronic tests. Curcumin possesses a much lower ulcerogenic index than phenylbutazone. It prevents the inflammation induced increase in SGOT and SGPT levels. It lacks analgesic and antipyretic activity. It has no other significant pharmacological effects. The oral LD50 in mice is more than 2m0 g kg−1.

Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory agent*

Antioxidants play an important role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, thus providing protection to human against infections and degenerative diseases. Current research is now directed towards natural antioxidants originated from plants due to safe therapeutics. Moringa oleifera is used in Indian traditional medicine for a wide range of various ailments. To understand the mechanism of pharmacological actions, antioxidant properties of the Moringa oleifera leaf extracts were tested in two stages of maturity using standard in vitro models. The successive aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera exhibited strong scavenging effect on 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical, superoxide, nitric oxide radical and inhibition of lipid per oxidation. The free radical scavenging effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract was comparable with that of the reference antioxidants. The data obtained in the present study suggests that the extracts of Moringa oleifera both mature and tender leaves have potent antioxidant activity against free radicals, prevent oxidative damage to major biomolecules and afford significant protection against oxidative damage.

Antioxidant Activity and Total Phenolic Content of Moringa oleifera Leaves in Two Stages of Maturity

A new colorimetric technique for the estimation of vitamin C using Folin phenol reagent.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/95/2455/77.full.pdf

A color reaction for dehydroascorbic acid useful in the determination of vitamin c.

The relation of the blood level of ascorbic acid to the tissue concentrations of this vitamin and to the histology of the incisor teeth in the guinea pig.

Summary A method for the determination of ascorbic acid in whole blood is proposed. The oxidation of ascorbic acid by oxyhemoglobin is prevented by reduction of the oxyhemoglobin by alternate evacuation and treatment with CO2 under pressure before deproteinization with HPO3.

Determination of ascorbic acid in whole blood.

/pdf/the-distribution-of-ascorbic-acid-in-the-blood-2qvx3uga68.pdf

Carl A. Kuether

Papers

The determination of ascorbic acid in whole blood and urine through the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivative of dehydroascorbic acid

A color reaction for dehydroascorbic acid useful in the determination of vitamin c.

The relation of the blood level of ascorbic acid to the tissue concentrations of this vitamin and to the histology of the incisor teeth in the guinea pig.

Determination of ascorbic acid in whole blood.

The distribution of ascorbic acid in the blood.