Orangutan’s Plant-Based Wound Treatment Captivates Scientists
In a remarkable display of self-medication, a male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus has demonstrated what may be the first documented case of a wild animal actively using plant therapy for wound treatment. Rakus, who resides in the Suaq Balimbing research site in Indonesia, was observed applying the juice and chewed leaves of the plant known as Akar Kuning to a facial wound he sustained.
The incident, which occurred in June 2022, has provided researchers with unique insights into the cognitive abilities of orangutans. Primatologist Isabelle Laumer noted that Rakus’s actions were deliberate and focused solely on the injured area. His methodical application of the plant’s properties mirrors human practices in wound care, suggesting an intentional use of the plant’s medicinal qualities.
The Akar Kuning vine, or
Study senior author Caroline Schuppli highlighted that such cognitive capacities for active wound care might date back to the last common ancestor shared by orangutans and humans, approximately 13 million years ago. The implications of this behavior extend to our understanding of the evolution of medical knowledge and practices.
Despite their solitary nature, orangutans like Rakus have shown high levels of problem-solving skills and the ability to pass on knowledge through social learning. The population at Suaq Balimbing is especially known for its cultural behaviors, including various uses of tools.
Rakus’s wound healed within five days without signs of infection, underscoring the potential efficacy of the plant-based wound treatment. This observation not only sheds light on the adaptive behaviors of orangutans but also opens up discussions on the broader applications of plant therapy in both human and veterinary medicine.
