Iniciativa Coevolución Humano-Planta y Neurobiología (HPCN)

Initiative on Human–Plant Co-evolution and Neurobiology

Where evolution connects plants, the brain, and human diversity.

Initiative on Human–Plant Co-evolution and Neurobiology (HPNC)

The CRAI Human–Plant Coevolution and Neurobiology Research Initiative explores how the evolutionary relationship between humans and plants has shaped the mechanisms underlying cognition, emotion, resilience, and neurobiological diversity. Our work integrates evolutionary biology, neurobiology, phytochemistry, and behavioral sciences to understand how plant-derived compounds interact with neural networks and how these interactions may contribute to new strategies for well-being and personalized medicine. Coevolución Humano-Planta y Neurobiología del CRAI explora cómo la relación evolutiva entre humanos y plantas ha influido en los mecanismos que sustentan la cognición, la emoción, la resiliencia y la diversidad neurobiológica. Nuestro trabajo integra biología evolutiva, neurobiología, fitoquímica y ciencias del comportamiento para comprender cómo los compuestos vegetales interactúan con las redes neuronales y cómo estas interacciones pueden contribuir a nuevas estrategias de bienestar y medicina personalizada.

Objectives

Our objectives focus on the following aspects:

To understand how human–plant coevolution has shaped key neurobiological functions

To identify plant-derived compounds with the potential to modulate attention, emotion, and stress adaptation

To integrate evolutionary, molecular, and neurobiological approaches to the study of neurodiversity

To generate explanatory models for traits associated with ADHD, ASD, and other neurodevelopmental variations

To contribute to the scientific foundation of personalized interventions based on plant-derived molecules

Projects

The brain–plant binomial (Neurobotanica)
Study of the evolutionary and functional interactions between plant compounds and human neural networks. ➞ Learn more

Resilience and stress in Mediterranean plants
Research on how species like Cistus albidus o and Rosmarinus officinalis synthesize molecules with relevant neurobiological effects. ➞ Learn more

Project NeuroPhytome
Interdisciplinary project investigating how plant metabolites evolutionarily influence the human brain and neurodiversity. ➞ Learn more

Computational modeling
Modeling, integrative analysis, and prediction of plant-brain interactions using bioinformatics tools.

Methodological approach

The initiative combines techniques from evolutionary biology, molecular neurobiology, advanced phytochemistry, and computational analysis to study in an integrated way how plant compounds interact with human neural networks. This multidisciplinary approach allows researchers to address neurodiversity from an evolutionary perspective and develop rigorous models for future personalized interventions.

comparative evolutionary biology

molecular neurobiology

advanced phytochemistry

preclinical trials

metabolomics and transcriptomics

computational analysis and systems modeling

Scientific and social relevance

Neurodiversity, chronic stress, and emotional fragility are growing challenges. Understanding how our shared evolution with plants has shaped our biology can open new avenues for improving human well-being through safe, effective, and scientifically validated plant compounds. This initiative aims to provide rigorous evidence for future complementary therapies and personalized strategies.

Team and collaborations

The initiative is in the consolidation phase within the CRAI and is open to national and international collaborations in the fields of biotechnology, neuroscience, phytochemistry and personalized medicine. ➞ Learn more

Collaboration opportunities

The CRAI invites researchers, institutions, biotechnology companies and professionals interested in the development of advanced phytotherapies to get in touch to explore possible joint initiatives.

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