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Abstract
Animals and products derived from different organs of their bodies have constituted
part of the inventory of medicinal substances used in various cultures since ancient
times. This article reviews the history of healing with animals in the Levant (the
Land of Israel and parts of present-day Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, defined by the
Muslims in the Middle Ages as Bilad al-Sham) throughout history. Intensive research
into the phenomenon of zootherapy in the Levant from early medieval to present-day
traditional medicine yielded 99 substances of animal origin which were used medicinally
during that long period. Fifty-two animal extracts and products were documented as
being used from the early Muslim period (10th century) to the late Ottoman period
(19th century). Seventy-seven were recorded as being used in the 20th century. Seven
main animal sources have been exploited for medical uses throughout history: honey,
wax, adder, beaver testicles, musk oil, coral, and ambergris. The first three are
local and relatively easy to obtain; the last four are exotic, therefore, rare and
expensive. The use of other materials of animal origin came to an end in the course
of history because of change in the moral outlook of modern societies. Among the latter
we note mummy, silkworm, stinkbug, scarabees, snail, scorpion, and triton.