A Sumatran orangutan in Indonesia has been observed using a plant-based paste to treat a wound on its cheek. This remarkable behavior represents the first documented instance of such a self-medication method in these primates.
Stories about animals recognizing the healing properties of plants are common, but until now, these tales lacked scientific evidence.
Researchers have recently made a groundbreaking discovery: for the first time, they’ve observed a species other than humans using plants to treat injuries.
Rakes, a male orangutan, resides in the Gurung Leuer National Park alongside his fellow orangutans.
Researchers observed that when he chewed the leaves of the Aker Koning plant and apply the paste to his face, the wound heal completely within a month.
In June 2022, Dr. Isabelle Lamer and her team observed a wound on Raku’s right cheek. Just three days later, they saw him chewing on Aker Koning for a duration of seven minutes.
He apply the chewed leaves directly to the wound, ensuring it was completely cover. It’s thought that Raku’s sustain this injury in a confrontation with other adult males.
Orangutan conflicts are rare in the park, especially when no dominant male is present. Rakes appear to be attempting to take on that dominant role.
Although the fight was not directly witness, sounds indicating a conflict between adult males were audible. Following the injury, he took more rest than usual until he fully recover.
Aker Koning is a plant renown for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, commonly utilized in traditional Southeast Asian medicine. It’s employ in the treatment of various conditions, including malaria, dysentery, and diabetes. Interestingly, orangutans also use plants for their medicinal benefits.
Orangutans have been observe consuming leaves from certain plants known for their anti-parasitic properties. This behavior is also prevalent among other ape species.
Scientists hypothesize that Raku’s use Aker Koning to alleviate pain, and it may have also serve as a protective barrier against bothersome flies.
The use of medicinal plants might stem from a share ancestral practice between humans and great apes that dates back millions of years.
The research findings were feature in the journal *Scientific Reports*.
