A database model for integrating and facilitating collaborative ethnomedicinal research

A model for a database system that provides a standardized environment for submission, storage, and retrieval of ethnomedicinal data was developed. The model is based on object oriented database technology, and is suitable for not only storing data, digital images, sound and video, but also for modeling domain knowledge associated with plant-based medicinal preparations utilized in systems of traditional medicine. The model incorporates both linguistic and semantic elements. Terms in natural language are mapped to database objects that represent knowledge in various ethnomedicinal domains. The distributed object infrastructure permits integration with other authoritative taxonomic databases and includes an interface capable of supporting existing and emerging standards of data. The model provides a foundation for a globally current dynamic data resource that encourages comparative ethnomedicinal research through direct contributions by members of the research community. Examples of integrated domain models are presented incorporating medical terminology, plant systematics, ecology, and pharmacology.