Gorillas Self-Medicate with Antibacterial Plant Used by Traditional Healers

In a world facing a growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance, scientists are desperately searching for new drugs to combat deadly infections. Surprisingly, the answer may lie in the depths of the rainforest, where wild gorillas have been observed self-medicating with the same plants used in local traditional medicine. This groundbreaking research offers a promising new avenue for drug discovery.

A team of scientists spent years studying western lowland gorillas in Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, carefully noting the plants they consumed. By comparing this list with the plants used in traditional medicine by local villagers, they identified four species that appeared on both: the fromager tree, giant yellow mulberry, African teak, and fig tree subspecies.

While it’s unknown whether the gorillas were intentionally using these plants for medicinal purposes, great apes are known to self-medicate to treat wounds and illnesses. This behavior, known as zoopharmacognosy, provides valuable insights into the potential therapeutic properties of these plants.

To investigate further, the researchers analyzed the bark of each plant species and found that they contained compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Remarkably, all four plants demonstrated antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains of E.coli, with the fromager tree showing exceptional effectiveness.

Given the global threat of antimicrobial resistance, these findings offer a glimmer of hope. The study authors suggest that the bark extracts of these plants could be used as effective treatments for diseases caused by free radicals and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The discovery that wild gorillas and local traditional healers share a common pharmacopoeia highlights the potential of zoopharmacognosy as a valuable tool for drug discovery. By studying the medicinal practices of our closest primate relatives, scientists may be able to develop innovative new treatments to combat pressing health challenges. As the world grapples with the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the insights gained from gorilla medicine could offer a vital solution.