Med Lasers.  2023 Sep;12(3):133-146. 10.25289/ML.23.032.

Medical applications of stabilized ascorbic acid: a review of recent advances

• Kim Y
• Choi G

• KMID: 2551146
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.23.032

Abstract

Ascorbic acid (AA), also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble nutrient that helps to maintain optimal physiological processes in the human body. It plays a role in collagen biosynthesis, photoprotection, freeradical scavenging, and enhancing immunity. However, because of its chemical instability, the AA needs to be protected from external environmental factors (including oxygen, moisture, and pH changes) to maintain its therapeutic efficacy. This review discusses advances reported over the past five years in stabilizing AA by loading it into carriers and highlights the medical applications of these stabilized formulations. Various carrier systems (such as liposomes, nanofibers, and hydrogels) have been developed to enhance the stability and facilitate the controlled release of AA. This paper reviews several such AA-loaded carriers and discusses their potential applicability in wound healing, skin treatment, bone regeneration, and cancer therapy. These innovative carrier systems could enable the effective and targeted delivery of AA in therapy, significantly improving patient outcomes.

Keyword

Ascorbic acid; Drug delivery system; Biological availability; Medical applications; Antioxidants