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 ✨ Want Exclusive Content? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and more! Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
