Pharmacokinetics: Why do some animals attempt to ingest oils, whilst others simply inhale? What happens to secondary metabolites in the body and how does the body get rid of them when they are no longer needed. This section deals with the administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion of secondary metabolites.
Pharmacodynamics: How do oils produce their medicinal effects? Some directly kill microbial infections in the body but others interact with the body to heal it. This section looks at how secondary metabolites interact with receptors in the body with a special emphasis on those found in the brain.
The student is provided with in depth scientific research of essential oils chosen for their supreme usefulness in the practice of zoopharmacognosy. It is intended that students familiarise themselves with the physical characteristics of each oil, both with its medicinal properties and its application to animals. With each oil provided, there is a “partner oil” which invites comparison as to its properties and uses, and on which the student will be asked to produce their own studies. The module comes with a general reference paper and suggested reading list. At the end the student will have the confidence to assess oils, research their properties and match them with animals’ needs, as well as having an initial understanding of how scientific knowledge backs up our observational work with the animals.
This module outlines all the areas of botany that are directly relatable to medicinal secondary compounds and their subsequent interaction with other organisms, including animals. The following describes some of the main ideas discussed in this module.
Secondary metabolites and Evolution: Although essential oils are botanically derived secondary metabolites, these compounds have been around long before plants evolved. This topic traces their origin and subsequent evolution.
Secondary metabolite synthetic pathways: Secondary metabolites don’t simply appear in their present form. This topic describes how and where these compounds are made.
Animal-plant interactions: According to Darwinian evolution, each organism is in perpetual competition with its rivals. So why do plants seem to show ‘kindness’ to animals in medicating them? This section describes and discusses theories behind this apparent paradox, all of which are based on the plant’s self-interest. This section also includes an analysis into the evidence of how animals utilize plants in zoopharmacognosy.
