“…Asc and some of its synthetic derivatives have a variety of biological activity. The most active derivative, MeAsc, inhibits tumour growth in animals [11 14], protects animals from some bacterial and viral infections [14,15] and also has immunostimulant activity [ 13] and a pronounced apoprotic effect [16]. The special biological activity of MeAsc, study of the metabolism of the compound, and the hope of eventually obtaining Asc, MeAsc, and other MeAsc-like substances from plant material has motivated the development of efficient 0% NH…”