In this conversation, host Dr. Riley Kirk and guest Dr. Jaap De Roode discuss the fascinating field of zoo pharmacognosy, exploring how animals medicate themselves using natural substances. He shares insights from his research on monarch butterflies and honeybees, highlighting the role of toxic compounds and fungi in animal health. The discussion also touches on the implications for agriculture, the importance of biodiversity, and the potential for learning from animal behaviors in medicine. Dr. De Roode emphasizes the need for more research in this area and the significance of maintaining natural ecosystems for the health of both animals and humans.

Key Takeaways

Zoo pharmacognosy is the study of how animals medicate themselves.

Monarch butterflies use toxic milkweed compounds to combat parasites.

Honeybees may use fungi to treat infections in their colonies.

Animal medication can be a learned behavior or instinctual response.

Diversity in diet is crucial for animal health and resilience.

Propolis serves as both a cement and a medicinal substance for bees.

Observational studies provide insights into animal medication behaviors.

Animals can change their behavior based on their health needs.

Research on animal medication can inform agricultural practices.

Understanding animal medication can lead to new discoveries in human medicine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zoo Pharmacognosy

04:08 Research Focus: Monarch Butterflies and Honeybees

10:58 Defining Animal Medication vs. Self-Medication

14:59 Examples of Animal Medication in Nature

18:20 Chimpanzees and Traditional Healing

24:38 Learning and Sharing Medicinal Knowledge in Animals

26:14 The Fascinating World of Animal Self-Medication

28:53 Agricultural Practices and Animal Health

32:38 The Importance of Choice and Diversity in Animal Diets

33:37 Studying Animal Behavior and Medicating Practices

35:56 Recreational Use of Plants by Animals

40:56 Addressing Animal Anxiety and Depression

43:52 Natural Products in Animal Medicating

46:21 Evolution of Medicating Behaviors in Animals

48:21 Cannabis and Animal Self-Medication

51:31 Researching Fungi and Bees

55:20 Insights from 'Doctors by Nature'

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Follow Dr. De Roode’s research:

https://biology.emory.edu/people/bios/faculty/de-roode-jaap.html

Follow Dr. De Roode on IG and LinkedIn

IG @jaapderoode

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaap-de-roode-04a6a6237/

Read or listen to Doctors by Nature 

https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Nature-Other-Animals-Themselves/dp/069123924X

Check out my book Reefer Wellness!

⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156⁠⁠⁠

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