Meet the botanist who discovers a rainforest plant that helps dogs

At 84 years old, Dr. Tony Durst is an accomplished individual.

Not only has he been a professor for 55 years, but he is also credited with making a scientific discovery so monumental, it is now catching the eyes of dog owners and the veterinarian community everywhere.

The invention?

A fascinating plant-based anti-anxiety medication that relies upon extracts from a little-known plant, called Souroubea.

Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Tony Durst. We discussed his incredible life, upbringing, experiences as both a refugee and researcher, and also got to learn about the impact souroubea is having on pets.

So, without further ado…

Introducing, Dr. Tony Durst.

Romania to Canada: How a Tumultuous Past Shaped Dr. Durst’s Academic Future

Originally from Romania, Tony was born in a village. The same village in fact that his ancestors had lived in since the 1710’s – nearly 240 years!

However, towards the end of WWII, because the family lived on the Hungarian border, Dr. Durst and his parents were advised to become refugees as the Russian front approached. Leaving everything behind (except what the horses and wagon could carry) they headed towards southern Germany, where his parents and grandfather worked as farm laborers until 1949.

“I started grade one as a refugee child in Austria,” Dr. Durst recalls.

Then, in 1940 and 1949, the family was able to immigrate to Canada.

Southern Ontario would become “home.”

Despite being uprooted and relocated as a young child, these challenges didn’t cause Dr. Durst to waver in his curiosity and quest for knowledge. Quite the opposite.

“I did very well in high school,” he shares. “My parents really wanted me to be a farmer because that's what they grew up as. But eventually, they allowed me to go to university in London, Ontario.”

From that point, he went on to earn an undergraduate degree in chemistry and physics. Next up was a prestigious position as a postdoctoral fellow in the chemistry department at Harvard University, followed by time spent at Cambridge where he was fortunate enough to work with EJ Corey (who eventually won a Nobel Prize).

In 1964, he married the love of his life, Mary, he started a job at the University of Ottawa in 1967. 

“And I'm still here,” Dr. Tony says with a smile. “That's 55 years now.”

Without a doubt, those challenging experiences, coupled with a love of learning, are partly responsible for setting Dr. Durst on his life’s trajectory researching natural products and medicinal plants.

What Inspired Dr. Durst to Become a Researcher?  

Some children dream of becoming an astronaut.

Others know right away they want to be a veterinarian when they grow up, maybe because they adore animals or see their mom and dad working in similar professions.

For Dr. Durst, inspiration struck differently.

“On the farm, there were no scientists,” he explains. “I learned to work with my hands. But it turned out I was pretty good academically, especially in subjects such as math, science, geography, and history.”

Even though he missed many weeks of school to help with planting and harvest (which came with the territory growing up on a farm) Tony took every academic opportunity offered to him. He wasn’t afraid to work hard and put in a ton of effort, if it meant opening new doors.

Even today, at 84 years old…he’s still working, now along side his wife, Mary, who retired from a career in education to help him with his mission in Costa Rica.  

And we sure are happy about that, because it means pet parents can benefit from his vast knowledge about the souroubea plant.

The Key to Souroubea’s Success? Relationships with the People of Costa Rica

In our modern world of online shopping and 24/7 delivery, it is easy to forget about how interconnected we all are on planet Earth.

This is true of medicine as well.

For example, when was the last time you asked where your medications came from? Do you know which plants are used? Which country they are grown in?

For Dr. Tony Durst, relationships are at the heart of souroubea. Specifically, his 25-year long relationship with a female-led farming co-op in Costa Rica. In collaboration with local people, his company has been able to sustainably source souroubea from the rainforest while simultaneously providing economic opportunities.

“This comes out of Costa Rica,” he concludes. “Therefore, Costa Rica should benefit just as much as anyone.”

To date, Costa Rican academic colleagues are part owners (23%) of the company.

With so much to offer, we are delighted to bring information about souroubea to our readers, thanks to the generous and lifelong knowledge of Dr. Tony Durst. And now the product is available for dogs, Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for dogs. You can get yours at mybravepaws.com.