Zoopharmacognosy

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Zoopharmacognosy

Zoopharmacognosy (pronounced: zoh-uh-far-muh-kog-nuh-see) is a behavior in which non-human animals self-medicate by selecting and using plants, soils, insects, and other substances to treat and prevent disease.

Etymology

The term "Zoopharmacognosy" is derived from the Greek words for animal (zoo), drug (pharmaco), and knowing (gnosy). It was first coined by Dr. Eloy Rodriguez, a biochemist and professor at Cornell University, in the 1990s.

Related Terms

  • Ethnobotany: The study of a region's plants and their practical uses through the traditional knowledge of a local culture and people.
  • Phytotherapy: The study of the use of extracts from natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents.
  • Pharmacognosy: The study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources.

Description

Zoopharmacognosy is observed in many animal species, including primates, canids, and felids. Animals in the wild seek out specific natural remedies for various ailments. For example, some animals consume certain types of clay to help remove toxins from their system. Others use insect repellents or antiseptics to help with wounds.

Research and Studies

Research in zoopharmacognosy has potential implications for animal welfare, wildlife conservation, and biomedicine. It can provide insights into new areas of drug discovery and help in the understanding of animal behavior.

See Also

External links

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