In silico modeling for identification of radio protectors of Phyto- and Phyco-origin based on their bioactivity properties

Upon exposure to ionizing radiation, living organisms may experience oxidative stress, which occurs when free radical generation surpasses the body’s natural defense mechanisms. This imbalance can lead to damage in biomacromolecules. Exogenous antioxidants have shown potential in combating such oxidative stress, particularly in cancer radiotherapy where it is crucial to protect non-cancerous tissues from the harmful effects of radiation. While synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxyl-toluene and butylated hydroxyanisole have been tested, they failed due to their toxicity and low therapeutic index in humans, prompting the search for safer, more effective natural alternatives.

Natural products, particularly those derived from plants and microbial sources, offer a promising avenue for radioprotection. With only a small percentage of the world’s biodiversity explored for bioactive compounds, there remains significant potential to uncover novel radioprotective agents. This study utilizes a combination of classical bioprospecting and in silico approaches to identify potential radioprotective agents from natural products, focusing on phyto- and phyco-compounds that demonstrate antioxidative and pharmacological properties.

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