Orangutan makes ape medicine
Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia –
In a remarkable display of animal intelligence and self-care, a male Sumatran orangutan known as Rakus has been observed using a medicinal plant to treat a facial wound, according to a new study published in Scientific Reports.
Researchers at the Gunung Leuser National Park in Indonesia documented the orangutan’s innovative use of Fibraurea tinctoria, a vine known locally as Akar Kuning, which is recognized in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Over several days, Rakus was seen selecting, chewing, and applying the plant’s leaves to a wound on his face, actions that appear to have facilitated the healing process.
“This behavior is the first documented case of a wild animal actively using a known biologically active plant for wound treatment,” said Isabelle B. Laumer, the study’s lead author and a researcher at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. “It provides significant insights into the cognitive abilities of orangutans and their understanding of their natural pharmacopeia.”
The study highlights that Fibraurea tinctoria contains furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids—compounds known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The choice of this plant by Rakus suggests a deliberate action aimed at treating his injury, supporting the concept of the first ape medicine ever documented.
This finding adds to a growing body of evidence that great apes and other animals use natural resources to manage health conditions. Previous studies have documented primates and other species using plants and even insects to treat various ailments and injuries.
“Such behaviors offer a window into the evolutionary origins of medicine,” Laumer added. “They suggest that the roots of human health care practices may be traced back to common ancestors we share with the great apes.”
The observations were made as part of a long-term non-invasive study of orangutans in the region, which allows researchers to watch these endangered primates without interfering with their natural behaviors. The study not only sheds light on orangutan intelligence but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts in preserving these unique behaviors.
Researchers hope that continued observation and study of orangutan behavior will reveal further insights into the cognitive capabilities of these primates, potentially offering more examples of their problem-solving and self-care strategies.
This groundbreaking study was conducted by an international team from the Max Planck Institute, the University of Zurich, and various Indonesian research organizations, emphasizing the global importance of research and conservation efforts in these regions.
For more detailed information on this study and its findings, you can read the full article published in Scientific Reports here.
All photos credited to:Laumer, I.B., Rahman, A., Rahmaeti, T., et al. Active self‑treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan. Scientific Reports, (2024) 14:8932. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.