Zoopharmacognosy is the use of drugs by animals. The word is derived from roots mean animal (zoo-), drug (-pharmaco-), and knowing (-gnosy).

Observers have noticed that some species ingest non-foods, such as toxic plants, clay or charcoal, to ward off parasitic infestation or poisoning. For example, Jane Goodall has seen chimpanzees eating certain bushes to make themselves sick. Some Brazilian parrots eat kaolin (a form of clay).

Zoopharmacognosy refers to the process by which animals select and utilize plants, soils, and insects to treat and prevent disease.

References

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For an accessible description of several examples, see Biser, J. A. (1998). "Really Wild Remedies — Medicinal Plant Use by Animals." (accessed on 2005-01-13).

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Pharmacology | Ethology