AI Article Synopsis
- Scientists are discovering that many non-human animals, from ants to apes, also utilize medication to cope with infections and health issues.
- These animals employ nature's medicines, including plant chemicals, other animals, and even clay.
- Medication behaviors target a range of health concerns, such as fighting parasites, reducing inflammation, and enhancing reproductive functions.*
Article Abstract
The word 'medicine' is typically associated with humans, but scientists are increasingly realizing that non-human animals also use medication to deal with infections and other health issues. Medication behaviors are shared by a wide diversity of animal species, ranging from ants to apes, from bees to bears, and from caterpillars to capuchins. These animals use a wide variety of medicines provided by nature, ranging from plant chemicals to other animals and clay (Box 1). The targets of medication are equally diverse: while many animals use medication as protection against internal and external parasites and pathogens, animals may also use medicine to reduce inflammation and stress or to improve reproductive function.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.07.034 | DOI Listing |
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