ePlantLIBRA: A composition and biological activity database for bioactive compounds in plant food supplements

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Toxicology
• Nutritional Science
• Botany

Background:

• Plant food supplements (PFS) are increasingly used for purported health benefits.
• Comprehensive, validated data on PFS bioactive compounds, health effects, and safety is lacking.
• Existing information is fragmented across various publications and databases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a centralized, searchable database for plant food supplement (PFS) information.
• To compile and validate scientific data on PFS bioactive compounds, health benefits, adverse effects, contaminants, and residues.
• To provide a user-friendly platform for accessing and exporting PFS research.

Main Methods:

• Development of a web-based database (ePlantLIBRA).
• Quality evaluation and data entry from over 570 peer-reviewed publications and case studies.
• Inclusion of data on 70 PFS or their botanical ingredients.

Main Results:

• ePlantLIBRA is a comprehensive, searchable database of validated PFS information.
• The database includes data on bioactive compounds, health benefits, adverse effects, contaminants, and residues.
• It is the only web-based resource compiling peer-reviewed literature and case studies on PFS.

Conclusions:

• ePlantLIBRA provides a unique, reliable resource for scientific information on plant food supplements.
• The database facilitates research and informed decision-making regarding PFS.
• It supports the scientific community by consolidating critical data on PFS safety and efficacy.