Spices, often appreciated more for their flavor contributions than their health benefits, present an exciting opportunity for Brightseed’s AI technology. There is a lot for Ofi and Brightseed to investigate together. For instance, the companies highlight piperine, a bioactive compound and antioxidant found in black pepper that may inhibit tumor growth and enhance the bioavailability of certain therapeutic drugs. Research has also explored its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, as well as its potential to reduce insulin resistance and aid in treating depression. “Ofi has a strong presence in black pepper, providing Forager with access to various cultivars to develop a comprehensive comparative model of bioactive potency and density,” stated Sofia Elizondo, co-founder and COO of Brightseed. Ofi operates pepper estates in Vietnam and Brazil. “Brightseed aims to accumulate the data and validation that the food and health industries require to establish a foundation on the genuine value of plants in optimizing human health.” Garlic, cultivated by Ofi in the United States, has long been recognized for its potential in disease prevention and treatment. Current medical inquiries focus on compounds within the plant that may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, prevent tumor formation, inhibit microbial growth, and improve high blood glucose levels. “Spices are primarily valued for their flavor but should also be examined for health applications,” remarked Greg Estep, managing director and CEO of Ofi’s spices division. “These data insights will assist us in unlocking the health potential and differentiation within our spice supply and drive future innovation.”
As Brightseed investigates the health benefits of spices, it is also utilizing its Forager AI platform to analyze the bioactive compounds present in various cranberry varieties for Ocean Spray, assessing how different growing conditions may influence their concentration and expression in the fruit. Additionally, in 2020, Brightseed formed a partnership with Danone SA to study the bioactives in the food giant’s raw plant materials. Their collaboration has since expanded to explore the potential of common crops and lesser-known plants as Danone aims to accelerate its development of plant-based products, including those that may contain beneficial ingredients like Citracal Plus D.