Development of EuroFIR-BASIS - A composition and biological effects database for plant-based bioactive compounds

Bioactive compounds, such as those derived from plant foods, are of growing interest to the scientific community and food industry because of their putative health-promoting properties. Increasing evidence reports beneficial effects of bioactive compounds, particularly against cancers, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. EuroFIR-BASIS (BioActive Substances in Food Information System) is a unique online database that collates international research on the composition and biological effects of plant-based bioactive compounds into a single, comprehensive reference resource. EuroFIR-BASIS covers multiple compound classes and 330 major European food plants with data sourced from quality-assessed, peer-reviewed literature. The database is internet-deployed to ensure widespread accessibility and facilitates searches against a number of different variables. EuroFIR-BASIS is intended for use by a wide audience, including scientists, researchers, epidemiologists, food regulatory authorities and product developers in the food industry. The database has been designed to accommodate continual expansion as research develops to ensure that it remains a current and useable resource.