In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists in Indonesia observed an orangutan named Rakus using medicinal plant leaves to treat a wound on its face. This behavior is unique as humans are typically the only known animals that use medications and balms to heal wounds. The orangutan chewed leaves from a climbing plant called Akar Kuning and applied the juice to the wound on its face, covering it with chewed leaves afterwards.
The findings of this observation have been documented in a paper published in the journal Scientific Reports. According to CNN, the scientists involved in the study were excited by the unprecedented behavior they witnessed at the Suaq Balimbing research area in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia, in June 2022. This is the first time active wound management with a medicinal plant has been documented in a great ape species.
Analysis of the plant used by Rakus revealed that it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for wound healing. Researchers believe that Rakus sustained the wound in a fight with another male orangutan. Surprisingly, the orangutan spent half of its day resting during the healing process, which was unexpected for the research team.
The discovery raises questions about how other animals may also use plants for medicinal purposes and how these plants can be used to aid human healing processes. It also highlights the importance of studying animal behavior and their natural remedies to better understand our own bodies’ ability to heal and recover from illnesses.
This study further strengthens our understanding of animal behavior and their natural remedies. The discovery shows us that animals have unique ways of coping with their environment, including using plants for medicinal purposes. It is essential that we continue to study these behaviors and learn from them to improve our own health care practices.
In conclusion, Rakus’s unique use of medicinal plant leaves for wound healing is an exciting discovery that raises questions about how other animals may also use plants for medicinal purposes. Further studies must be conducted to understand how these plants can aid human healing processes and improve our own health care practices.