GERMANY – Orangutans are widely known for their high intelligence levels and practical skills in the wild, such as using tools to forage for food. Recent research conducted by scientists at Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany suggests that orangutans possess another remarkable skill: utilizing medicinal herbs for self-care.
The researchers observed a male Sumatran orangutan engaging in self-medication by treating an open facial wound with sap and chewed leaves from a plant known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This behavior is a rare example of a wild animal using substances with known medicinal properties to treat wounds, shedding light on the cognitive abilities of these primates.
Not only have Sumatran orangutans been seen using medicinal plants, but other wild animals like Bornean orangutans and chimpanzees have also exhibited self-medicating behaviors. However, this new discovery marks the first time a wild animal has been observed treating wounds with a substance known to have medicinal benefits, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between animals and medicinal plants.
Dr. Caroline Schuppli, senior author of the research, emphasized the significance of this finding in understanding the origins of human wound care. The team of researchers discovered this behavior while working in a protected rainforest in Indonesia, where they observed the male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus treating his facial wound with leaves from a specific plant.
Rakus displayed intentional behavior by chewing the leaves and applying the plant juice directly to his wound, a process that led to the complete healing of the wound within a few weeks. The plant used by Rakus contains various beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, which likely contributed to the healing process.
The researchers noted that while it remains unclear whether Rakus learned this behavior from others or figured it out on his own, it showcases the cognitive abilities of orangutans in utilizing medicinal plants for self-care. This behavior not only highlights the intelligence of these primates but also raises questions about the extent of their understanding of the medicinal properties of the plants they use for self-medication.