Peer-reviewed and technical research establishing the chemical foundations of botanical systems science.
Scientific Publications | Botanical Systems Research
A collection of research papers, technical reports, and applied studies in botanical systems, formulation science, and sustainable chemical processes.
Research Structure → Systems Overview
Related Applied Research Articles
Applied research linking validated scientific findings to system-level implementation across phytochemical interactions, metabolic function, and environmental chemistry processes.
Botanical Systems Research: Chemical Foundations to Engineered Outcomes
Research Areas
These publications collectively advance Botanical Formulation Systems™, Botanical Extraction Systems, and Applied Botanical Chemistry across health, environmental science, and sustainable industrial processes. Formulation Science • Bioavailability • Phytochemical Systems Inflammation • Metabolic Resilience • Extraction Chemistry
Primary research contributions and technical advancements in applied botanical chemistry.
Chronological Research Publications
Publications spanning metabolic health, formulation systems design, and mercury-free extraction chemistry, demonstrating system-level applications of plant-derived compounds.
Botanical Formulations for Healthy Aging and Metabolic Resilience
Cosgrove, B. A., Research Paper published April 2026 peer reviewed — Food Chemistry eJournal DOI:10.2139/ssrn.6451478 →
System Category
Botanical Formulation Systems
Summary:
This study examines the role of high-phenolic botanical systems in modulating inflammation and metabolic function. A structured formulation framework was developed integrating bioavailability and compound synergy. Results highlight the importance of system design over isolated nutrient approaches.
Key Contributions:
- Development of Botanical Formulation Systems™
- Demonstrates compound synergy in metabolic pathways
- Introduces structured delivery framework
- Applies phytochemical systems to human health
Why Most “Healthy Drinks” Fail: The Missing Chemistry of Botanical Systems
Cosgrove, B. A., Publication Preprint May 2026 posted — Zenodo DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20319137 →
System Category
Botanical Formulation Systems
Summary:
This paper examines why many functional beverages fail to produce meaningful physiological outcomes. A systems-based framework is introduced, emphasizing bioavailability, compound synergy, and metabolic context. The analysis demonstrates that formulation design—not ingredient selection—determines functional effectiveness.
Key Contributions:
- Identifies limitations of ingredient-based nutrition models
- Introduces Botanical Formulation Systems™ framework
- Demonstrates importance of bioavailability and delivery
- Establishes systems-based approach to functional nutrition
Wine Chemistry Explained: Polyphenols, Terroir, and Botanical Systems Science
Cosgrove, B. A., Publication Preprint June 2026 posted — Zenodo DOI:10.5281/zenodo.20767478 →
System Category
Fermentation-Derived Chemical Systems
Summary:
This article examines wine as a complex botanical chemical system composed of water, ethanol, and a diverse matrix of low-concentration compounds that determine its physicochemical and sensory properties. Emphasis is placed on the role of polyphenols, volatile metabolites, mineral constituents, and fermentation-derived transformations in shaping structural stability, redox behavior, and aromatic expression.
The integration of grape-derived phytochemistry, soil composition, microbial activity, and environmental conditions (terroir) is analyzed as a dynamic system exhibiting synergistic interactions. Wine is positioned as a natural model for understanding multi-component botanical systems and their relevance to formulation science targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic regulation.
Key Contributions
- Establishes wine as a multi-component botanical systems model within applied chemistry
- Demonstrates the functional role of polyphenols in redox behavior and structural stability
- Integrates terroir as a measurable chemical framework linking environment to composition
- Highlights fermentation as a transformative biochemical process influencing compound expression
Translating plant chemistry into structured systems frameworks for functional design and application
Development of Botanical Systems Frameworks
Building on foundational extraction chemistry, this phase introduces structured botanical systems as functional design frameworks.
Botanical Alternatives: Toward Safer, Evidence-Based Gold Recovery
Cosgrove, B. A., Article Preprint February 2026 posted — ResearchGate DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19442.77769 →
System Category
Botanical Lixiviant Systems
Summary:
This work evaluates plant-derived lixiviant systems as alternatives to mercury and cyanide in gold extraction. A botanical framework was developed using cassava-derived compounds to enable high-efficiency recovery under mild conditions. Results demonstrate the viability of low-toxicity systems in artisanal mining contexts.
Key Contributions:
- Development of Botanical Lixiviant Systems
- Demonstrates high-efficiency recovery under mild conditions
- Introduces plant-based alternative to mercury and cyanide
- Applies solution chemistry to sustainable mining
A Review and Sustainable Alternative to Sodium-Based and Cyanide-Containing Gold Leaching Agents: Glycine–Thiosulfate Hybrid System
Cosgrove, B. A., Research Paper published November 2025 peer reviewed — Sustainable Technology eJournal (SSRN) DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5801183 →
System Category
Environmental Process Systems
Summary:
This research advances sustainable hydrometallurgy through the development of a glycine–thiosulfate hybrid leaching system. The system enables efficient gold recovery under mild pH and temperature conditions while reducing environmental impact. Results demonstrate a viable non-toxic alternative to conventional cyanide-based systems.
Key Contributions:
- Development of glycine–thiosulfate hybrid system
- Demonstrates efficient recovery under mild conditions
- Reduces reliance on cyanide-based extraction
- Advances sustainable hydrometallurgical processes
Establishing the chemical and environmental foundations of plant-based systems and extraction science
Foundational Research and Early Systems Development
These early works establish the chemical and environmental foundation for plant-based extraction and systems-level thinking.
Ecuador Four-Stage Action Plan for Botanical Lixiviant Systems
Cosgrove, B. A., Technical Presentation Preprint January 2026 posted - ResearchGate
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400 →
System Category
Environmental Process Systems
Summary:
This work presents a four-stage, ESG-aligned strategy for implementing botanical lixiviant systems in artisanal mining regions of Southern Ecuador. The framework integrates cassava-derived extraction chemistry with community-level deployment models. The approach enables reduced toxic exposure and improved environmental outcomes.
Key Contributions:
- Development of a four-stage implementation framework
- Integrates botanical chemistry with ESG principles
- Applies systems thinking to artisanal mining
- Enables scalable, community-level deployment
An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador
Cosgrove, B. A., & Moreno-Chavez, J., Research Paper published January 2025 peer reviewed - Environmental Chemistry eJournal (SSRN) DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5049829 →
System Category
Environmental Process Systems
Summary:
This study examines the environmental and health impacts of mercury and cyanide use in artisanal mining and proposes a transformative plant-based solution. A systems-based strategy was developed integrating botanical extraction methods with community-level implementation. The work demonstrates a pathway toward reduced toxicity and sustainable mining practices.
Key Contributions:
- Analysis of mercury and cyanide impacts in Artisanal Small-scale Mining (ASM)
- Development of plant-based replacement strategy
- Integrates environmental and community systems
- Establishes framework for sustainable transition
Testimonials
Independent Validation and Expert Perspectives
Independent expert perspectives validating the scientific rigor, safety, and real-world impact of this transformative approach to artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
“Congratulations on your article on alternatives to gold leaching. In Brazil, particularly in the Amazon region, mercury use in artisanal mining has caused major problems—thank you for sharing this important work.”
Mário Parreiras de Faria -Labor Inspector · Occupational Physician · MSc Public Health Brazil.
“This transformative Action Plan is a gamechanger in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. A webinar to share the findings and real-world experience would be invaluable.”
Prof. D. Moyo, FRCP, FFOM, MFOM, MOHS, MAppMgnt Specialist Occupational Physician Associate Professor: National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe. Visiting Associate Professor: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa