How Animals Medicate with Dr. Jaap De Roode
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'
Thank you to our sponsor for this episode GAVITA: For over 40 years, Gavita has been the trusted name in horticultural lighting, setting the benchmark for performance, reliability, and innovation. https://gavita.com/category/led-grow-lights/ IG: @gavitanorthamerica
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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