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L-ascorbic acid metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving L-ascorbic acid, (2R)-2-[(1S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl]-4-hydroxy-5-oxo-2,5-dihydrofuran-3-olate; L-ascorbic acid is vitamin C and has co-factor and anti-oxidant activities in many species. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

L-ascorbic acid metabolic process is a fundamental biochemical pathway responsible for the synthesis, utilization, and degradation of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This pathway plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including antioxidant defense, collagen biosynthesis, and immune function.

The biosynthesis of L-ascorbic acid begins with glucose, which undergoes a series of enzymatic reactions to produce L-gulono-gamma-lactone. This intermediate is then oxidized to L-ascorbic acid by the enzyme L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase. However, humans and some other primates lack this enzyme, making them unable to synthesize vitamin C and requiring it through dietary intake.

Once absorbed from the diet, L-ascorbic acid is transported throughout the body and plays a vital role in a number of biological processes:

1. **Antioxidant Defense:** L-ascorbic acid acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can damage cells and contribute to oxidative stress. It regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, by donating electrons.

2. **Collagen Biosynthesis:** L-ascorbic acid is essential for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in collagen, a structural protein found in connective tissues. This hydroxylation step is catalyzed by prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes, both of which require L-ascorbic acid as a cofactor.

3. **Immune Function:** L-ascorbic acid supports immune function by enhancing the production of white blood cells, particularly lymphocytes, which play a role in recognizing and destroying pathogens. It also promotes the production of antibodies and cytokines, which are crucial for immune responses.

4. **Iron Absorption:** L-ascorbic acid facilitates the absorption of iron from plant-based foods. It reduces ferric iron (Fe3+) to ferrous iron (Fe2+), which is the form that can be readily absorbed by the body.

5. **Neurotransmitter Synthesis:** L-ascorbic acid is involved in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, which play important roles in mood regulation, cognitive function, and motor control.

6. **Wound Healing:** L-ascorbic acid promotes wound healing by stimulating collagen production, enhancing blood vessel formation, and reducing inflammation.

The degradation of L-ascorbic acid occurs through enzymatic oxidation and non-enzymatic degradation pathways. These pathways involve the conversion of L-ascorbic acid to dehydroascorbic acid, followed by further degradation products.

In summary, L-ascorbic acid metabolic process is a critical pathway for maintaining cellular health and function. It plays a multifaceted role in antioxidant defense, collagen biosynthesis, immune function, iron absorption, neurotransmitter synthesis, and wound healing. Deficiencies in L-ascorbic acid can lead to a variety of health problems, highlighting the importance of adequate intake of this essential nutrient.'
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Proteins (8)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Solute carrier family 23 member 1A solute carrier family 23 member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UHI7]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11169]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11166]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 23 member 1A solute carrier family 23 member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UHI7]Homo sapiens (human)
Glutathione S-transferase omega-1A glutathione S-transferase omega-1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P78417]Homo sapiens (human)
Sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-2A sodium/potassium-transporting ATPase subunit alpha-2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P50993]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11169]Homo sapiens (human)
Solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1A solute carrier family 2, facilitated glucose transporter member 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P11166]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (51)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
dinitrochlorobenzene1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene : A C-nitro compound that is chlorobenzene carrying a nitro substituent at each of the 2- and 4-positions.

Dinitrochlorobenzene: A skin irritant that may cause dermatitis of both primary and allergic types. Contact sensitization with DNCB has been used as a measure of cellular immunity. DNCB is also used as a reagent for the detection and determination of pyridine compounds.
C-nitro compound;
monochlorobenzenes
allergen;
epitope;
sensitiser
ethacrynic acidetacrynic acid : An aromatic ether that is phenoxyacetic acid in which the phenyl ring is substituted by chlorines at positions 2 and 3, and by a 2-methylidenebutanoyl group at position 4. It is a loop diuretic used to treat high blood pressure resulting from diseases such as congestive heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure. It is also a glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) inhibitor.

Ethacrynic Acid: A compound that inhibits symport of sodium, potassium, and chloride primarily in the ascending limb of Henle, but also in the proximal and distal tubules. This pharmacological action results in excretion of these ions, increased urinary output, and reduction in extracellular fluid. This compound has been classified as a loop or high ceiling diuretic.
aromatic ether;
aromatic ketone;
dichlorobenzene;
monocarboxylic acid
EC 2.5.1.18 (glutathione transferase) inhibitor;
ion transport inhibitor;
loop diuretic
gossypolGossypol: A dimeric sesquiterpene found in cottonseed (GOSSYPIUM). The (-) isomer is active as a male contraceptive (CONTRACEPTIVE AGENTS, MALE) whereas toxic symptoms are associated with the (+) isomer.
lansoprazoleLansoprazole: A 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxypyridyl derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS. Lansoprazole is a racemic mixture of (R)- and (S)-isomers.benzimidazoles;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
anti-ulcer drug;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor
omeprazole5-methoxy-2-{[(4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl}-1H-benzimidazole : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1H-benzimidazole which is substituted by a [4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl group at position 2 and a methoxy group at position 5.

omeprazole : A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (R)- and (S)-omeprazole.

Omeprazole: A 4-methoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridyl, 5-methoxybenzimidazole derivative of timoprazole that is used in the therapy of STOMACH ULCERS and ZOLLINGER-ELLISON SYNDROME. The drug inhibits an H(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE which is found in GASTRIC PARIETAL CELLS.
aromatic ether;
benzimidazoles;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
pantoprazolepantoprazole : A member of the class of benzimidazoles that is 1H-benzimidazole substituted by a difluoromethoxy group at position 5 and a [(3,4-dimethoxypyridin-2-yl)methyl]sulfinyl group at position 2.

Pantoprazole: 2-pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazole proton pump inhibitor that is used in the treatment of GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX and PEPTIC ULCER.
aromatic ether;
benzimidazoles;
organofluorine compound;
pyridines;
sulfoxide
anti-ulcer drug;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor;
environmental contaminant;
xenobiotic
phloretindihydrochalconesantineoplastic agent;
plant metabolite
cytidinecytidinesEscherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
cycloheximidecycloheximide : A dicarboximide that is 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperidine-2,6-dione in which one of the hydrogens attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxy group is replaced by a 3,5-dimethyl-2-oxocyclohexyl group. It is an antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces griseus.

Cycloheximide: Antibiotic substance isolated from streptomycin-producing strains of Streptomyces griseus. It acts by inhibiting elongation during protein synthesis.
antibiotic fungicide;
cyclic ketone;
dicarboximide;
piperidine antibiotic;
piperidones;
secondary alcohol
anticoronaviral agent;
bacterial metabolite;
ferroptosis inhibitor;
neuroprotective agent;
protein synthesis inhibitor
emetineemetine : A pyridoisoquinoline comprising emetam having methoxy substituents at the 6'-, 7'-, 10- and 11-positions. It is an antiprotozoal agent and emetic. It inhibits SARS-CoV2, Zika and Ebola virus replication and displays antimalarial, antineoplastic and antiamoebic properties.

Emetine: The principal alkaloid of ipecac, from the ground roots of Uragoga (or Cephaelis) ipecacuanha or U. acuminata, of the Rubiaceae. It is used as an amebicide in many different preparations and may cause serious cardiac, hepatic, or renal damage and violent diarrhea and vomiting. Emetine inhibits protein synthesis in EUKARYOTIC CELLS but not PROKARYOTIC CELLS.
isoquinoline alkaloid;
pyridoisoquinoline
antiamoebic agent;
anticoronaviral agent;
antiinfective agent;
antimalarial;
antineoplastic agent;
antiprotozoal drug;
antiviral agent;
autophagy inhibitor;
emetic;
expectorant;
plant metabolite;
protein synthesis inhibitor
c 137C 137: RN given refers to parent cpd
digoxigenindigoxigenin : A hydroxy steroid that consists of 5beta-cardanolide having a double bond at the 20(22)-position as well as hydroxy groups at the 3beta-, 12beta- and 14beta-positions. It has been isolated from the plant species of the genus Digitalis.

Digoxigenin: 3 beta,12 beta,14-Trihydroxy-5 beta-card-20(22)-enolide. A cardenolide which is the aglycon of digoxin. Can be obtained by hydrolysis of digoxin or from Digitalis orientalis L. and Digitalis lanata Ehrh.
12beta-hydroxy steroid;
14beta-hydroxy steroid;
3beta-hydroxy steroid;
3beta-sterol
hapten;
plant metabolite
alpha-tocopherol succinatehemisuccinate;
tocol
imidocarbImidocarb: One of ANTIPROTOZOAL AGENTS used especially against BABESIA in livestock. Toxicity has been reported.ureasantiprotozoal drug
colforsinColforsin: Potent activator of the adenylate cyclase system and the biosynthesis of cyclic AMP. From the plant COLEUS FORSKOHLII. Has antihypertensive, positive inotropic, platelet aggregation inhibitory, and smooth muscle relaxant activities; also lowers intraocular pressure and promotes release of hormones from the pituitary gland.acetate ester;
cyclic ketone;
labdane diterpenoid;
organic heterotricyclic compound;
tertiary alpha-hydroxy ketone;
triol
adenylate cyclase agonist;
anti-HIV agent;
antihypertensive agent;
plant metabolite;
platelet aggregation inhibitor;
protein kinase A agonist
salvinsalvin: a biocyclic diterpenoid; from sage and rosemary (Lamiaceae)abietane diterpenoid;
carbotricyclic compound;
catechols;
monocarboxylic acid
angiogenesis modulating agent;
anti-inflammatory agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antioxidant;
apoptosis inducer;
food preservative;
HIV protease inhibitor;
plant metabolite
1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethylenediarylmethane
digoxigenin-bis(digitoxoside)cardenolide glycoside
alpha-tocopherol phosphatealpha-tocopherol phosphate: RN given refers to (2R*(4R*,8R*))-(+-)-isomer
mmv665852MMV665852: an antischistosomal agent
1,3,4,10-Tetrahydro-9(2H)-acridinoneacridines
rostafuroxinrostafuroxin: structure in first source
dioxiramdioxiram: structure given in first source
anisomycin(-)-anisomycin : An antibiotic isolated from various Streptomyces species. It interferes with protein and DNA synthesis by inhibiting peptidyl transferase or the 80S ribosome system.

Anisomycin: An antibiotic isolated from various Streptomyces species. It interferes with protein and DNA synthesis by inhibiting peptidyl transferase or the 80S ribosome system.
monohydroxypyrrolidine;
organonitrogen heterocyclic antibiotic
anticoronaviral agent;
antimicrobial agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antiparasitic agent;
bacterial metabolite;
DNA synthesis inhibitor;
protein synthesis inhibitor
ouabaincardiac glycoside : Steroid lactones containing sugar residues that act on the contractile force of the cardiac muscles.

ouabain : A steroid hormone that is a multi-hydroxylated alpha-L-rhamnosyl cardenoloide. It binds to and inhibits the plasma membrane Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (sodium pump). It has been isolated naturally from Strophanthus gratus.

Ouabain: A cardioactive glycoside consisting of rhamnose and ouabagenin, obtained from the seeds of Strophanthus gratus and other plants of the Apocynaceae; used like DIGITALIS. It is commonly used in cell biological studies as an inhibitor of the NA(+)-K(+)-EXCHANGING ATPASE.
11alpha-hydroxy steroid;
14beta-hydroxy steroid;
5beta-hydroxy steroid;
alpha-L-rhamnoside;
cardenolide glycoside;
steroid hormone
anti-arrhythmia drug;
cardiotonic drug;
EC 2.3.3.1 [citrate (Si)-synthase] inhibitor;
EC 3.1.3.41 (4-nitrophenylphosphatase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.10 (H(+)/K(+)-exchanging ATPase) inhibitor;
EC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor;
ion transport inhibitor;
plant metabolite
digitoxindigitoxin : A cardenolide glycoside in which the 3beta-hydroxy group of digitoxigenin carries a 2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl-(1->4)-2,6-dideoxy-beta-D-ribo-hexopyranosyl trisaccharide chain.

Digitoxin: A cardiac glycoside sometimes used in place of DIGOXIN. It has a longer half-life than digoxin; toxic effects, which are similar to those of digoxin, are longer lasting. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p665)
cardenolide glycosideEC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor
jp-1302
1,4,8-trimethyl-12-quinolino[2,3-b]quinolinamineaminoquinoline
digoxindigoxin : A cardenolide glycoside that is digitoxin beta-hydroxylated at C-12. A cardiac glycoside extracted from the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata, it is used to control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and in the management of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation, but the margin between toxic and therapeutic doses is small.

Digoxin: A cardiotonic glycoside obtained mainly from Digitalis lanata; it consists of three sugars and the aglycone DIGOXIGENIN. Digoxin has positive inotropic and negative chronotropic activity. It is used to control ventricular rate in ATRIAL FIBRILLATION and in the management of congestive heart failure with atrial fibrillation. Its use in congestive heart failure and sinus rhythm is less certain. The margin between toxic and therapeutic doses is small. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p666)
cardenolide glycoside;
steroid saponin
anti-arrhythmia drug;
cardiotonic drug;
EC 3.6.3.9 (Na(+)/K(+)-transporting ATPase) inhibitor;
epitope
polysulfide rubber
2-[2-methoxyethyl-(1-oxo-2-thiophen-2-ylethyl)amino]-N-[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-2-(4-propan-2-ylphenyl)acetamidemonoterpenoid
N-[3-(N-(2-chloro-1-oxoethyl)-4-nitroanilino)propyl]-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamideC-nitro compound;
secondary carboxamide;
tertiary carboxamide;
trifluoroacetamide
digitoxigenindigitoxigenin : A 5beta-cardenolide that is 5beta-cardanolide with hydroxy substituents at the 3beta- and 14beta-positions and double bond unsaturation at C(20)-C(22).

Digitoxigenin: 3 beta,14-Dihydroxy-5 beta-card-20(22)enolide. A cardenolide which is the aglycon of digitoxin. Synonyms: Cerberigenin; Echujetin; Evonogenin; Thevetigenin.
14beta-hydroxy steroid;
3beta-hydroxy steroid
2-(N-(2-chloro-1-oxoethyl)-4-fluoroanilino)-N-cyclohexyl-2-(3-pyridinyl)acetamideorganonitrogen compound;
organooxygen compound
kaempferol7-hydroxyflavonol;
flavonols;
tetrahydroxyflavone
antibacterial agent;
geroprotector;
human blood serum metabolite;
human urinary metabolite;
human xenobiotic metabolite;
plant metabolite
genistein7-hydroxyisoflavonesantineoplastic agent;
EC 5.99.1.3 [DNA topoisomerase (ATP-hydrolysing)] inhibitor;
geroprotector;
human urinary metabolite;
phytoestrogen;
plant metabolite;
tyrosine kinase inhibitor
cytochalasin bcytochalasin B : An organic heterotricyclic compound, that is a mycotoxin which is cell permeable an an inhibitor of cytoplasmic division by blocking the formation of contractile microfilaments.

Cytochalasin B: A cytotoxic member of the CYTOCHALASINS.
cytochalasin;
lactam;
lactone;
organic heterotricyclic compound
actin polymerisation inhibitor;
metabolite;
mycotoxin;
platelet aggregation inhibitor
pd 166285
pd-173952
phakellistatin 2phakellistatin 2: isolated from the marine sponge Phakellia carteri; structure in first source
carfilzomibepoxide;
morpholines;
tetrapeptide
antineoplastic agent;
proteasome inhibitor
protoapigenoneprotoapigenone: has antineoplastic activity; isolated from Thelypteris torresiana; structure in first source
digitoxigenin monodigitoxosidedigitoxigenin monodigitoxoside: RN given refers to (ribo-3beta,5beta)-isomer
evomonosideevomonoside : A cardenolide glycoside consisting of digitoxigenin having an alpha-L-rhamnosyl moiety attached at the O(3)-position.

evomonoside: a cytotoxic cardiac glycoside from Lepidium apetalum; RN refers to (3beta,5beta)-isomer
cardenolide glycoside
halisulfate 1halisulfate 1: an isocitrate lyase inhibitor sesterterpene sulfate from sponge, Hippospongia sp.; structure in first sourceorganic molecular entitymetabolite
deoxycholic acid, monosodium saltbile acid salt
glucopiericidin aglucopiericidin A: from Streptomyces pactum S48727 as co-metabolite of piericidin A(1); structure given in first source; glycoside antibiotic
wzb117WZB117: structure in first source
ascorbic acidAscorbic Acid: A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant.

L-ascorbate : The L-enantiomer of ascorbate and conjugate base of L-ascorbic acid, arising from selective deprotonation of the 3-hydroxy group. Required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants.

L-ascorbic acid : The L-enantiomer of ascorbic acid and conjugate acid of L-ascorbate.

vitamin C : Any member of a group of vitamers that belong to the chemical structural class called butenolides that exhibit biological activity against vitamin C deficiency in animals. The vitamers include L-ascorbic acid and its salt, ionized and oxidized forms.
ascorbic acid;
vitamin C
coenzyme;
cofactor;
flour treatment agent;
food antioxidant;
food colour retention agent;
geroprotector;
plant metabolite;
skin lightening agent
rifampinRifampin: A semisynthetic antibiotic produced from Streptomyces mediterranei. It has a broad antibacterial spectrum, including activity against several forms of Mycobacterium. In susceptible organisms it inhibits DNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity by forming a stable complex with the enzyme. It thus suppresses the initiation of RNA synthesis. Rifampin is bactericidal, and acts on both intracellular and extracellular organisms. (From Gilman et al., Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed, p1160)cyclic ketal;
hydrazone;
N-iminopiperazine;
N-methylpiperazine;
rifamycins;
semisynthetic derivative;
zwitterion
angiogenesis inhibitor;
antiamoebic agent;
antineoplastic agent;
antitubercular agent;
DNA synthesis inhibitor;
EC 2.7.7.6 (RNA polymerase) inhibitor;
Escherichia coli metabolite;
geroprotector;
leprostatic drug;
neuroprotective agent;
pregnane X receptor agonist;
protein synthesis inhibitor
hesperadin