Abstract:

The aim of this study was to develop an optimize method for the determination of vitamin C (VC) in Sauropus
androgynus (L.) Merr. and investigate changes in VC content in the vegetable under different conditions. The experimental
conditions for manual and mechanical grinding (using a blender) as sample pretreatments for VC determination were
established according to the Chinese national standard GB 6195—1986. The effects of postharvest storage time, plant
organs, acidic soil fertilizer application, and harvest time on VC content in Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr. were analyzed.
The results showed that the VC content determined using manual grinding was higher than that obtained using mechanical
grinding. The VC content in the plant and its homogenate samples decreased with increasing storage time. Homogenates
with added oxalic acid were determined to contain higher amounts of VC than blank control. The leaves and young stems of
Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr. contained decreasing amounts of VC, and higher levels of VC were obtained by acidic soil
fertilizer application and detected in samples harvested in May and June.

Key words: Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merrill, vitamin C, content determination