THE MECHANISM OF THE VIRUCIDAL ACTION OF ASCORBIC ACID.

The theoretical yield of H(2)O(2) formed during the oxidation of a virucidal solution of ascorbic acid approximates the virucidal action of an equivalent amount of H(2)O(2). Both the action of ascorbic acid and H(2)O(2) are completely neutralized by catalase. The action of ascorbic acid against influence A virus may therefore be explained as being due to the H(2)O(2) formed during the Cu catalyzed oxidation of ascorbic acid. The observed in vitro virucidal activity of ascorbic acid obviously can not be utilized therapeutically because of the presence of catalase in body tissues.