From Animal Parts to Pharmacy
The Double-Edged Sword of Healing Traditions
In the heart of Ethiopia, a healer prepares a traditional remedy for malaria using cow's milk and meat. Meanwhile, a world away, scientists in a modern laboratory explore the wound-healing properties of marine organism secretions 1 . Though separated by centuries and methodologies, both are practicing forms of zootherapy—the use of animals and their by-products for medicine.
What is Ethnozoology? The Science Behind Animal-Based Medicine
Ethnozoology is the scientific study of the relationship between human societies and the animals they use for medicinal, cultural, and practical purposes. When focused specifically on healing practices, this field is often termed zootherapy. For centuries, a profound connection has existed between humans and animals, with various animal parts being used in the preparation of traditional medicines across virtually all cultures 4 .
of the world's population relies on traditional medicine, a significant portion of which is derived from plants and animals 4 .
of the 252 essential chemicals recognized by the WHO originate from animal sources 4 .
Ethiopian Context
In Ethiopia, this tradition remains deeply integrated into society, with both rural and urban populations commonly relying on animals found in their surroundings to treat everyday ailments 4 .
Cultural Diversity
Ethiopia's 85 ethno-linguistic groups, each with unique languages and cultures, have fostered a remarkable diversity of traditional knowledge 4 .
The Scale of Practice: A Closer Look at Ethiopia's Medicinal Animals
To understand the scope of zootherapy, consider the findings from a comprehensive 2025 review of animal-based traditional medicine in Ethiopia. The research revealed that an astonishing 112 animal species are used to treat 167 different ailments in that country alone 4 .
- Mammals 56
- Birds 22
- Arthropods 20
- Reptiles 8
Common Animal-Based Remedies and Their Uses
| Animal | Part/Product Used | Ailment Treated | Method of Administration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goat | Meat and blood | Malaria | Eating and drinking |
| Camel | Milk | Headache, rheumatism, malaria, diarrhea | Drinking |
| Donkey | Milk | Asthma, pleurisy, pneumonia | Drinking |
| Cat | Excrement | Relapsing fever | Wearing on head |
| Black Cat | Bile | Visual defect | Anointing |
| Goat | Fecal matter | Dandruff | Smearing |
A Deeper Dive: The Methodology Behind the Knowledge
How do researchers systematically capture this often orally-transmitted knowledge? The process is meticulous and follows strict scientific protocols. A recent systematic review on animals used for malaria management in Ethiopia provides an excellent case study .
Literature Search
Researchers began by conducting an exhaustive search of published literature across multiple scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect .
Search Strategy
They used a combination of search terms and Boolean operators ("OR," "AND") along with Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms to ensure a comprehensive search .
Inclusion Criteria
The inclusion criteria were specific: only ethno-zoological studies addressing malaria were considered. From all articles obtained, only eight met the strict eligibility criteria .
Data Extraction
Data from these studies were then entered and extracted using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets for analysis .
medicinal animals were reported for treating malaria in Ethiopia
from the mammalian group, with cows being the most commonly used
The Conservation Dilemma: When Healing Harms the Healer
The extensive use of animals in traditional medicine presents a critical conservation challenge. As the Ethiopia review notes pointedly: "The medicinal use of animals is under threat due to illegal hunting and deforestation" 4 .
"The medicinal use of animals is under threat due to illegal hunting and deforestation." 4
Threat to Mammals
The predominance of mammals in traditional remedies is particularly concerning as they are often more vulnerable to population declines than smaller, more rapidly reproducing species 4 .
Loss of Indigenous Knowledge
Much of the knowledge about animal-based traditional medicine is held by traditional healers and passed down orally through generations, putting this valuable cultural heritage at risk of being lost forever 4 .
Modern Science, Ancient Cures: Bridging Tradition and Innovation
While traditional practices face conservation challenges, modern science is finding innovative ways to bridge this ancient knowledge with contemporary research methods. Rather than simply harvesting animal parts, researchers are now exploring the bioactive compounds within them that confer medicinal benefits 1 .
Bioactive Compound Research
Scientists are exploring the untapped potential of bioactive compounds from marine organisms, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, offering innovative solutions for areas like wound care 1 .
Advanced Reproductive Technologies
The BioRescue project is developing advanced methods of assisted reproduction and stem cell-associated techniques to save critically endangered species 7 .
Non-Invasive Monitoring
Wildlife endocrinology now allows researchers to non-invasively monitor reproductive and adrenocortical hormones through feces, urine, and hair samples 7 .
From Traditional Use to Modern Research
| Tool/Technique | Traditional Use | Modern Scientific Application |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Parts (meat, organs, etc.) | Direct consumption or topical application | Extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds for drug development 1 |
| Reproductive Biology | Observation of animal breeding patterns | Assisted reproduction technologies (aART) and biobanking for conservation 7 |
| Hormone Monitoring | Behavioral indicators of health | Non-invasive endocrine analysis of feces, urine, and hair 7 |
| Knowledge Documentation | Oral transmission from healers | Systematic literature reviews and database creation |
A Path Forward: Balancing Tradition and Conservation
The future of ethnozoology lies in finding a sustainable balance—honoring traditional knowledge and practices while ensuring the continued survival of the species upon which they depend.
Comprehensive Documentation
Systematically recording traditional animal-based medicines before they are lost, using rigorous scientific methodologies 4 .
Conservation Prioritization
Identifying medicinal species at greatest risk and implementing targeted protection plans 7 .
Sustainable Sourcing
Developing ethical frameworks for harvesting animal-derived medicines that prioritize population sustainability.
Bio-Inspired Innovation
Focusing on isolating and synthesizing active compounds rather than relying solely on wild-harvested animal parts 1 .
A Hopeful Future
As we move forward in an era of unprecedented biodiversity loss, the wisdom of traditional knowledge combined with the innovation of modern science may offer our best hope for preserving both cultural heritage and biological diversity. The challenge is substantial, but the potential rewards—the conservation of irreplaceable species and the discovery of novel medicines—are immeasurable.
The next time you hear about a traditional remedy derived from an animal, remember that it represents not just a potential treatment, but an entire ecological relationship—one that we have a responsibility to understand, respect, and preserve for generations to come.