PAPAR (Plant Antioxidants for Protection of Astronauts from Radiations)

The main objective of the project is to develop pharmaceutical formulations and/or food supplements containing different antioxidants from the plant world as radioprotective agents. Ionizing radiation is a potent mutagen and carcinogen, however it is used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Furthermore, during space missions, astronauts are mainly exposed to protons and heavier particles of high charge and high energy that are strongly penetrating (HZE particles). Exposure to such radiation represents one of the greatest dangers for astronauts. In the preparation of the formulations, molecules obtained from waste from food chains belonging to the classes of catechins and procyanidins, simple phenols such as resveratrol and its oligomers (viniferins), hydroxytyrosol in free form and linked to secoiridoid molecules (olive biophenols) are preferred. anthocyanidins (grapes and small fruits) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This project also evaluates the possibility of adding fructo-oligosaccharide mixes (inulin), molecules that are part of the soluble fiber with prebiotic and antioxidant properties. Another objective of the project is the study of the stability over time of antioxidant molecules, subjected to ionizing radiation, by applying protocols already defined for the drug (ICH guidelines) and suitably modified procedures.