摘要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 main-taining 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 par-ticularly 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 func-tional 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.