Mediterranean plants-based dietary supplements: focus on classification and coding

The Mediterranean regions are rich in medicinal plants used for centuries for treatment of certain diseases and promoting human health. These plants, thriving in the region's favourable climate, are rich in bioactive compounds i.e. alkaloids, polyphenols, and terpenes, offering various therapeutic benefits; for this reason, today they are found as active ingredients in many dietary supplements. To enhance the reliability and safety of dietary supplements derived from these plants, standardisation and harmonisation in classification are essential. This work aims to code 150 dietary supplements using LanguaL^™ and FoodEx2 systems focusing on medicinal plants from the Mediterranean, to update the Italian Dietary Supplement Label Database. LanguaL^™ and FoodEx2 systems have been selected for this procedure because they are the main classification and description systems. Accurate and standardised coding facilitates data interoperability, benefiting manufacturers, health professionals, and consumers by ensuring transparency and confidence in the supplements. Continuous database updates are crucial for managing and disseminating comprehensive information, supporting informed decision-making, and advancing the scientific study of natural products.