Advancing applied botanical chemistry through structured research and system-based scientific inquiry.
Recent Scientific Publications | Research articles
A curated selection of research papers and technical articles exploring botanical formulation systems, plant-derived extraction technologies, and their applications in human health and environmental sustainability.
Related Applied Research Articles
Documenting the evolution of applied botanical research.
Publications and Articles
A structured index of research papers and technical publications advancing botanical chemistry, plant-derived extraction systems, and evidence-based formulation science.
Why Most “Healthy Drinks” Fail: The Missing Chemistry of Botanical Systems
Cosgrove, B. A.
Preprint Research Paper — Zenodo, May 2026Â
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20319137 →
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 modelsÂ
Introduces Botanical Formulation Systems™ frameworkÂ
Demonstrates importance of bioavailability and deliveryÂ
Establishes systems-based approach to functional nutritionÂ
System Category: Botanical Formulation Systems
Botanical Alternatives: Toward Safer, Evidence-Based Gold Recovery
Cosgrove, B. A.
Preprint — ResearchGate, February 2026 - accepted for publication in the peer reviewed - Journal of Environmental Science, Sustainability, and Green Innovation - May 2026Â
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19442.77769 →
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
System Category: Botanical Lixiviant Systems
Botanical Formulations for Healthy Aging and Metabolic Resilience
Cosgrove, B. A.
Research Paper — Food Chemistry eJournal, April 2026Â
DOI:10.2139/ssrn.6451478 →
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™Â
Demonstrates compound synergy in metabolic pathwaysÂ
Introduces structured delivery frameworkÂ
Applies phytochemical systems to human healthÂ
System Category: Botanical Formulation Systems, April 2026
Ecuador Four-Stage Action Plan for Botanical Lixiviant Systems
Cosgrove, B. A.
Technical Presentation — ResearchGate, January 2026.
DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400 →
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
System Category: Environmental Process Systems
Testimonials
“Expert-Validated Solutions to Real-World Mercury Challenges in Artisanal Mining ”
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
A Review and Sustainable Alternative to Sodium-Based and Cyanide-Containing Gold Leaching Agents: Glycine–Thiosulfate Hybrid System
Cosgrove, B. A.
2025 — Research Paper — Sustainable Technology eJournal (SSRN)
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5801183 →
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
System Category: Environmental Process Systems
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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.
2025 — Research Paper — Environmental Chemistry eJournal (SSRN)
DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5049829 →
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 ASM
Development of plant-based replacement strategy
Integrates environmental and community systems
Establishes framework for sustainable transition
System Category: Environmental Process Systems