NeuroPhytome – Interacciones entre plantas y cerebro

Interacciones planta–cerebro desde una perspectiva evolutiva

Un proyecto de investigación interdisciplinar

NeuroPhytome Project

NeuroPhytome is a scientific initiative driven by the Rausenbach Centre for Analysis and Research to investigate how the phytochemical composition of plant-based food and early exposure to bioactive metabolites can modulate neurodevelopment, epigenetic regulation, and neurodiversity (especially ADHD and ASD).
The project integrates developmental neuroscience, phytochemistry, epigenetics, agronomy, and computational analysis to generate testable models applicable to prevention and personalized medicine. The goal is to understand how bioactive compounds of plant origin have influenced human brain function throughout evolution and how changes in the modern environment may affect neurobiological regulation today.

Hypothesis

Human neurodevelopment and brain function have historically been modulated by the physiological integration of bioactive compounds of plant origin, derived from both direct and indirect food sources. The contemporary reduction of this phytochemical diversity in the diet could diminish the capacity for neurobiological compensation during critical developmental stages, contributing to a greater expression of neurodiverse profiles and reduced cognitive and behavioral resilience.

Vision

To contribute to a biologically grounded understanding of neurodiversity, elucidating how plant-derived biochemical environments interact with human brain function across evolutionary and developmental scales.

From molecular data to functional understanding

The project follows a structured analytical approach that connects plant-derived molecular profiles with neurobiological pathways and functional patterns. This process allows for the development of testable hypotheses and interpretable models that link molecular data to higher-level biological functions.

The scientific gap

Our objectives focus on the following aspects:

Plants synthesize a wide variety of secondary metabolites with neurobiological relevance.

Exposure to this biochemical diversity has decreased markedly in the modern diet.

Epigenetic regulation of conserved genes is increasingly associated with neurodevelopmental profiles.

These dimensions are rarely analyzed together from an evolutionary and systemic approach.

Methodological approach

The project integrates complementary disciplines to address complex biological questions:

Phytochemistry and metabolomics – characterization of compounds of plant origin

Neurobiology and epigenetics – study of regulatory and signaling routes

Evolutionary biology – contextualización en la historia evolutiva humana

Computational analysis – data integration and pattern identification

Systems Biology – interpretation of interactions beyond isolated effects

Scientific and social relevance

From a scientific perspective, the project contributes to integrative frameworks that connect nutrition, evolution, and brain function. In the long term, it can provide a foundation for evidence-based approaches in functional nutrition, personalized phytotherapy, and preventive strategies in mental health, without presupposing specific clinical outcomes.

Expected results

The NeuroPhytome project will generate comprehensive scientific knowledge about how plant compounds interact with human neurobiological systems from an evolutionary perspective. Key results are expected, such as the identification of phytochemical profiles with the capacity to modulate cognitive and emotional functions, the development of explanatory models of neurodiversity (including ADHD and ASD), and the creation of a solid mechanistic foundation for future personalized interventions based on plant molecules. These advances will lay the groundwork for translational applications in wellness, prevention, and personalized medicine, as well as for knowledge transfer toward biomedical and agrofunctional innovation.

Mechanistic insight into how plant-derived compounds interact with human neural systems within an evolutionary framework.

Identification of phytochemical profiles with modulatory potential on cognition, emotion, and stress adaptation.

Development of integrative explanatory models of neurodiversity, including ADHD and ASD.

Establishment of a scientific basis for personalized interventions based on plant-derived molecules.

Foundational contributions to translational applications in well-being, prevention, and personalized medicine.

Team and collaborations

This project is coordinated by the Rausenbach Centre for Analysis and Research and is structured through the Neurobotany platform. It is conceived as an open international network that fosters collaboration among academic institutions, research centers, and strategic partners.

Collaboration

We invite academic institutions, foundations, and strategic partners interested in interdisciplinary research on the interface between plants, brain function, and human evolution to engage in dialogue.

Contact

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