They're also highly dangerous
Studies show that several species of great apes forage for medicines in an attempt to heal their ailments. Some of the first examples of animal's using plant medicine appear in Aristotle's History of Animals, which was written in the fourth century BCE. Aristotle noted how dogs consume grass when not feeling well. Although this observation may sound simple to dog owners today, who may witness their pets engaging in this kind of behavior regularly, it is also an interesting reflection on how animals turn to plants.
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Zoopharmacognosy describes the behavior of animals to seek medication to prevent or deal with dangerous pathogens. They do this by ingesting or applying plants and other materials with medicinal properties.
The term zoopharmacognosy, meaning animal self-medication, was introduced in 1987. Scientific investigations that have observed the use of specific plants or insects on animals have also led to the development of medication for humans.
In Aristotle’s 'History of Animals,' he observed how bears look for wild garlic as their first food after hibernation. Packed with vitamins and critical nutrients, there is an intuitive nature to this behavior based on health needs.
Wild garlic contains health properties for humans, too. It’s a staple in traditional European and Asian medicines. Thanks to vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin C, and magnesium, studies show that consumption is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.
Garlic has been used to treat all kinds of ailments, such as colds and toothaches, and it helps to lower blood pressure and blood sugar. Its natural antibiotic and antiviral properties increase immune function and protect against inflammation.
Ancient Roman philosopher, Pliny the Elder, noted observations of how wounded deer, and other animals, will consume wild oregano to treat their ailments. Wild oregano is naturally anti-inflammatory and has coagulating effects, which help to close wounds.
Roman philosopher Claudius Aelianus noted an important observation regarding the use of oregano among aves. Birds like storks were observed crushing oregano leaves, creating a paste, and placing it on their wounds.
Humans have also consumed wild oregano for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. The ancient Greeks used oregano leaves to treat stomach aches, colds, and muscle aches. Oregano teas were also used to treat snake bites. There are also historical documents that note the use of oregano to induce perspiration or stimulate menstrual flow.
The ancient Egyptians traced a great deal of their knowledge pertaining to medicine from the behavior of animals. They believed that animals and other elements in nature held divine knowledge.
To treat toxins, animals like cattle and parrots consumed clay. Ancient Egyptians did so as well. To treat parasites and detoxify the body, clay was regularly consumed. It was also applied topically to address external issues. Many cultures continue to do so.
There are a number of examples that demonstrate how animals' intuitive knowledge of healing their own ailments influenced the development of medicine and treatments for humans. By observing the behavior of animals, humans became curious and applied their knowledge to human life.
While we don’t understand how animals know which resource to choose, there are interesting reflections that promote scientific testing of plants and other natural sources.
These observations are not limited to ancient science. The study of zoopharmacognosy is quite recent, and continues to inform how humans think of the application of both traditional and modern medicine today.
In 1987 in Tanzania, a primatologist observed a female chimp struggle to walk. He then observed her begin to chew on the tips of particular branches, swallowing only the juice. She continued to do this for hours at a time.
Scientists tested fecal samples and discovered antiparasitic properties, leading them to believe that the chimp consumed a high amount of a plant known as vernonia amygdalina. An effective dewormer, it is likely that the chimp consumed the plant to combat parasites.
Monkeys produce insect-repellent compounds by ingesting poisonous millipedes and citrus. Ants place resin from specific trees in their nests to avoid pathogens. No matter how big or small, animals of all kinds have been observed engaging in self-medication.
Several studies point in particular to the behavior of great apes as clear scientific evidence of self-medication in animals. Particularly in relation to the treatment of parasites, great apes can be observed chewing bitter pith.
Similar to the case in Tanzania, where the female chimp struggling to walk chewed on a plant to consume the juice, great apes have been observed doing this with bitter pith as instinctive behavior to deal with parasites.
Bitter pith, also referred to as vernonia amygdalina or bitter leaf, is a bitter-tasting plant belonging to the daisy family. The leaves are commonly used by humans in different cultures, considered a delicacy, and are even used to brew beer in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
They are also used for a wide array of ailments from a traditional medicine perspective. They have been used as fever-reducers, antimalarial treatment, to manage diabetes, and a number of gastrointestinal issues, among others.
Chimpanzees remove the outer bark and leaves, and chew on the bark to extract the juice that’s inside. This process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, mainly taking place from November to January, in their respective contexts.
Several kinds of omnivorous mammals, including Japanese macaques, African elephants, and mountain gorillas have been observed consuming soil, including rocks. It is understood that animals do so to maintain gut health, acquire trace minerals, and meet sodium needs.
In May 2024, scientists were shocked when they observed an orangutan treat a wound with a plant. The orangutan had an open wound on his right cheek. It was observed chewing the leaves of a plant that is used by humans in Southeast Asia for pain management.
The orangutan applied the juices from the plant directly to the injury and then pressed the chewed plant leaves to cover its wound, similar to a bandage. This is the first time an animal was observed conducting this kind of treatment on themselves.
Approximately one month later, the wound had completely healed. Where did this orangutan learn such behavior? How did it know to choose this particular plant? This is the mystery of animal behavior that scientists have not yet uncovered.
Scientists believe that there is a learning process that occurs for animals to choose resources that contain specific benefits. Studies performed on animals with and without particular ailments showed that they will not seek out medicinal plants without being ill.
This fascinating revelation demonstrates a medicinal understanding that occurs in animal groups. Studies show that when animals are ill, they seek foods and flavors that they normally don’t consume, likely leading them to make "discoveries" of their own.
Scientists argue that the animals’ ability to self-medicate could help solve some of the issues relevant to resistance to medication that is challenging many vets in treating diseases for livestock. If animals were able to openly graze on a wide variety of plants, perhaps they would be able to identify a medicinal plant on their own.
While there is still much more research to be done regarding the ability of animals to self-medicate and how that could inform human medicine, ancient and modern research continues to inspire interesting reflections.
Sources: (AP News) (Kota College of Pharmacy) (PBS) (University of Iowa) (The New York Times) (Oxford Academic)
Wild remedies: how animals use plants as medicine
A history of inter-species plant medicine
LIFESTYLE Nature
Studies show that several species of great apes forage for medicines in an attempt to heal their ailments. Some of the first examples of animals using plant medicine appear in Aristotle's 'History of Animals,' which was written in the fourth century BCE. Aristotle noted how dogs consume grass when feeling ill. Although this observation may sound simple to dog owners today, who may witness their pets engaging in this kind of behavior regularly, it is also an interesting reflection on how animals turn to plants to heal themselves.
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