Changes of the Antioxidants in Gynura Bicolor Under Different Light Sources

During the space flight, the high-energy radiation in the universe may cause a number of health-relative problems such as the increased risk of cancer induction in astronauts. Recent studies have shown that a diet rich in antioxidants can mitigate the harmful effects of the radiation with high energy and particle charge during long-term space flight. Therefore, planting the vegetables rich in antioxidants in the space environment can not only increase the dietary diversity of the astronauts, but also reduce the risk of space radiation to the astronauts. Gynura bicolor D.C which is a stem less herb vegetable and is unique in China, belongs to Composite and Gynura, is rich in antioxidants and serve as one of the candidate plants in the life support system. In this study, different light sources including high pressure sodium, fluorescent light and light–emitting diodes were utilized to investigate their effects on the changes of the antioxidants in Gynura bicolor D.C. The effects of different light sources on the antioxidants in Gynura bicolor D.C were studied through analysis on the changes of the antioxidant activity indicators including polyphenols, flavonoids, glutathione, FRAP and DPPH in Gynura bicolor D.C. And then the photoregulation mechanism on the synthesis and decomposition of antioxidants were analyzed and explained. Finally, the feasibility of cultivating Gynura bicolor D.C with three different light sources was evaluated and the most suitable type of light source for the formation of antioxidants in Gynura bicolor D.C was determined.