Overview

The intricate relationship between bioactive compounds and health outcomes necessitates a robust framework for scientific exploration and hypothesis generation. This project introduces a comprehensive database, BASIL (BioActive Semantic Integration and Linking Database), designed to aggregate and analyze data on various bioactives derived from natural sources and their associated health effects.

Utilizing advanced natural language processing techniques, we have systematically reviewed and extracted data from a multitude of sources, including PubMed clinical trials, FooDB, Phenol-Explorer, and ChEMBL. The database not only catalogues bioactive substances and their health impacts but also contextualizes the strength of evidence supporting each association. Through the employment of various data visualization techniques such as network graphs and heatmaps, we provide an accessible platform for researchers to discern patterns and research trends.

Our analysis reveals significant insights into the most potent bioactives, identifies research gaps, and supports the scientific community in developing targeted nutritional interventions and therapies. This paper discusses the methodologies employed in data collection, the challenges of data heterogeneity, and the potential implications of our findings in the broader context of nutritional science and therapeutic development.

Contributors

The BASIL project was initiated and developed by a team of researchers from the University of Amsterdam, specifically within the INtelligent Data Engineering Lab (INDELab). Key contributors to this project are:

• David Jackson - PhD Student at INDELab
• Prof. Dr. Paul Groth - Full Professor at INDELab
• Dr. Hazar Harmouch - Assistant Professor at INDELab

Methodology

Our methodology involved systematic data aggregation from sources like PubMed, FooDB, Phenol-Explorer, and ChEMBL. The data was processed using advanced natural language processing techniques to ensure accurate extraction and analysis of information regarding bioactive compounds and their health effects.

Disclaimers

BASIL DB is for educational and research use only. It is not intended for clinical use, and should not be used as a substitute for professional healthcare advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users are advised to verify any data from the database before making any decision based on it.

Citations

If you use data or visualizations from BASIL in your research, please cite:

BASIL: BioActive Semantic Integration and Linking Database. (Placeholder)
            

Funding and Acknowledgments

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. I would like to thank the University of Amsterdam for the use of their facilities and appreciate the assistance of Prof. Paul Groth and Dr. Hazar Harmouch in the completion of this project.

Contact Information

For further inquiries or support, please get in touch with us at d.i.jackson@uva.nl or follow us on indelab.org.