Prospects of Yacon ( Polymnia Sohchifolia Poepp. & Endl) Using for Astronauts Life Support

Abstract

During long-term manned space flights, biological life support systems are required, so food becomes an instrument of paramount importance. Plants are an accessible source of biologically active compounds. Antioxidant deficiency decreases the body's functional activity. Vegetable foods, including non-traditional and medicinal crops, are the main and most affordable source of antioxidants for humans. Yacon （Polymnia sonchifolia Poepp. & Endl.） is one of the most promising introductory species for Ukraine, and has recently started growing as a vegetable crop in our country. The leaves of this plant contain high concentrations of flavonoids, chlorogenic, coffee acids, selenium, vitamins, minerals in, which gives it strong antioxidant properties. It is shown that Yacon root tubers have a high content of sugars, most of which are fructosans （over 60%）. Most of the fructosans and sugars are in root tubers grown in the Kyiv region. The amount of HCA based on chlorogenic acid is up to 4.5% DW in the tops of Yacon leaves in the Poltava region. Its content is the largest in root tubers （2.3%） of plants grown in Kyiv region （stem reproduction）. The biochemical composition of different parts of Yacon has proved that it is promising for the diverse and healthy nutrition of astronauts for their life support in long-term space missions.