title: The PlantLIBRA project: how we intend to innovate the science of botanicals.
abstract: The main aim of the EC-financed R&D project PlantLIBRA (PLANT food supplements: Levels of Intake, Benefit and Risk Assessment) is to foster the safe use of food supplements containing plants or botanical preparations, by enabling science-based decision making by regulators and stakeholders. To make informed decisions, competent authorities and industry need more accessible and quality-assured information, as well as better tools (e.g., databases) and procedures for safety and benefit assessments, supported by broadly accepted methodologies. Consequently, PlantLIBRA is working to develop, validate and disseminate data and methodologies for risk and benefit assessment of plant food supplements, and to implement sustainable international cooperation. International cooperation will help ensure the quality of botanicals imported in the EU. Moreover, the project will provide data on intake by conducting a harmonized consumption survey. Existing composition and safety data will be collated into a meta-database. New analytical data and methods will be investigated and validated. The consortium is working closely with competent authorities and stakeholders.
authors.affiliation: Hylobates Consulting srl, Via Tarsia 61, Rome, Italy. lucabucchini@hylobates.it
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bucchini
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rodarte
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Restani
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D005062:European Union; D059022:Food Safety; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D007881:Legislation, Food; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D010945:Plants, Edible / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D028321:Plant Preparations