Drug discovery and development scientists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have recently joined the European Union's 7th Framework Programme 'PlantLIBRA' consortium, thus strengthening their capacity in support of product development for plant food supplements. 'PlantLIBRA' stands for Plant Food Supplements: Levels of Intake, Benefit and Risk Assessment.

This four-year research project co-financed by the European Commission (EC) aims to foster the safe use of food supplements that contain plants or botanical preparations. It also validates their efficacy by increasing science-based decision-making by regulators and food chain operators. The project is structured to develop new methodologies and tools for risk and benefit assessment of plant food supplements; traditionally made and available in tablet or capsule form or in liquid form and containing concentrated sources of nutrients.

Dr Paolo Meoni, a CSIR's principal investigator on the project says: "This is a great opportunity for a South African institution to participate in the definition of scientific strategies supporting the development of safer and more effective plant food supplements, in parallel with European institutions and regulatory agencies. These strategies will support the development of higher quality plant food supplements originating from South African plants and targeting the national and international markets."

PlantLIBRA is made up of 25 partners, comprising leading academics, small- and medium-sized enterprises, industry and non-profit organisations. It has members from four continents: Europe, Asia (China), South America (Argentina and Brazil) and Africa (South Africa).

Prof Patrizia Restani of the University of Milan who is the coordinator of the project states, "PlantLIBRA will provide scientific data supporting the use of food supplements containing plants or botanical preparations which will ensure a higher level of safety, quality and efficacy for consumers."