Research Exposes that Chimpanzees Self-Medicate With Plants

_{New research published on the 20th of June 2024 in the PLOS One Scientific Journal, reveals that maybe Chimpanzees self-medicate with plants. Photo by Bernard Dupont from France, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.}

The scientists behind a new research paper remained curious about chimpanzees’ intriguing behaviors in Uganda’s Budongo Forest that hinted at the use of plants for medicinal purposes. Through meticulous observation and analysis, they uncovered compelling evidence of medicinal plant use among Budongo chimpanzees.

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Chimpanzee Intelligence and Reliance on Their Habitat
Plant Species with Strong Pharmacological Activity Used by Chimpanzees
Are we certain Chimpanzees self-medicate with Plants?

The results of their research provide groundbreaking pharmacological evidence by sharing the specific plants primates may use to self-medicate and the context in which they do it. Furthermore, this study is the first to provide pharmacological and behavioral evidence based on in situ sampling for the medicinal benefits of bark feeding, dead wood eating, and non-bitter pith stripping behaviors in Budongo chimpanzees.

However, the findings of the study not only highlight the potential of plants in medicine but also the intelligence and problem-solving abilities of chimpanzees.

By discussing this research, we showcase the resourcefulness of chimpanzees and the need to protect the habitats they depend on. We also bring to the spotlight how much we can learn about animals and how useful they are in helping us survive and live longer on this planet.

If you are curious about some other interesting research findings, check out these posts:

Read below if you want to know more about the findings of this study and its potential implications.

Chimpanzee Intelligence and Reliance on Their Habitat

The research in question examined Chimpanzees in Uganda’s Budongo Forest. This forest is home to over 600 chimpanzees. Because of the abundant chimpanzee population, it holds the Budongo Forest Conservation Field Station which aims to study and conserve the local chimpanzee populations since the 1960s.

The Budongo Forest has three main chimpanzee communities:

Sonso Community
Waibira Community
Kaniyo-Pabidi Community

The observations of this particular study were made on the Sonso and Waibira communities.

What learning that Chimpanzees Self Medicate with Plants tells us about chimpanzee intelligence

_{Photo by Mira Meijer Burgers’ Zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons}

The researchers of this study saw chimpanzees get sick or injured and carry on a series of repetitive behaviors including specific plants for specific situations. This tells us that they are able to problem-solve their way out of a health issue in the same basic manner a human would. I.e. You catch a cough, you go to the pharmacy to buy cough medicine, and repeat the same process every time it happens to you in the future.

By identifying and using plants for medicinal purposes, they demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of their own well-being. The findings of this study give us a glimpse at the idea that Chimpanzees can assess whether they are sick or injured, and in which way (respiratory, infection, bone injury, etc).

Lastly, learning that chimpanzees self-medicate with plants shows us the advanced knowledge they have of their environment. The research explains that some chimpanzees went to specific parts of the forest where they knew they would find the plant they were seeking.

Budongo chimpanzees in both communities have been reported to consume both bark and dead wood of A. boonei, often travelling long distances to access these trees and only consuming small amounts of bark per feeding bout.
– Freymann E, Carvalho S, Garbe LA, Dwi Ghazhelia D, Hobaiter C, Huffman MA, et al. (2024) Pharmacological and behavioral investigation of putative self-medicative plants in Budongo chimpanzee diets. PLoS ONE 19(6): e0305219. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305219

What the study shows regarding the importance of habitat conservation

_{Photo by Francesco Ungaro, via Pexels}

This study is another reference to how relevant protecting wildlife ecosystems is. Not only for the animals that rely on them as their habitat but also for humans.

At first glance, the Budongo Forest is important for humans because of a few reasons:

It aids water security by absorbing and filtering rainfall that serves the local communities.
Its trees absorb carbon dioxide which in turn helps climate regulation.
It brings economic benefits to the local communities through the eco-tourism that takes place in the forest.

But beyond those easily identifiable reasons, this study teaches us that in the ecosystems animals inhabit we can find immense treasures with the ability to help solve human problems. And we can find this out if we stop and observe animals in their habitat.

The plants that chimpanzees use might hold the key to future medical advancements for humans. By studying their effects on chimpanzees, scientists can potentially develop new medications to combat various diseases. Habitat loss not only harms chimps but also eliminates the potential for groundbreaking medical discoveries inspired by their natural healthcare practices.

Furthermore, the study teaches us that threats like deforestation, not only take away animals’ homes but also their ways of life and sources of sustenance. For the chimpanzees subject of this study, the Budongo Forest acts as a vast pharmacy. With the forest holding the plants they are accustomed to using for treating infections, inflammation, and other ailments. If forced to go somewhere else, they wouldn’t know how to respond to the different situations life will throw at them.

Plant Species with Strong Pharmacological Activity Used by Chimpanzees

If you are on this post to learn the specific plants the chimpanzees use and for what ailment, then read below.

Among the various plant species examined in the study, several stood out for their pharmacological properties: Alstonia boonei, Khaya anthotheca, Christella parasitica, Syzygium guineense, and Scutia myrtina. Let’s go over the findings for each one.

Alstonia boonei

Known across East Africa for its medicinal uses, A. boonei displayed significant antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, the dead wood extracts of this species showed higher activity than living bark, suggesting changes in active ingredient composition or fungal growth post-death. The dead wood extracts strongly inhibited bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Budongo chimpanzees have been observed consuming both bark and dead wood, often traveling long distances to access these trees. These behaviors, although infrequent, suggest a targeted use for therapeutic purposes, possibly for treating bacterial infections and inflammation.

Khaya anthotheca

This plant species exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. The methanol-water extract of K. anthotheca showed the strongest inhibition against Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli. Additionally, this extract displayed significant COX-2 inhibition, indicating strong anti-inflammatory properties. Behavioral observations of chimpanzees consuming K. anthotheca bark and resin were associated with individuals showing signs of infection or injury. This suggests that K. anthotheca might be used for wound care, bacterial infections, and possibly reducing internal parasite loads.

Christella parasitic

Extracts of C. parasitica showed high anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in the methanol-water extract. Although antibacterial activity was limited, the observed consumption by a wounded chimpanzee suggests its potential use for pain and swelling reduction. This aligns with the plant’s pharmacological profile, supporting its use in therapeutic contexts.

Syzygium guineense

S. guineense bark and leaves demonstrated strong antibacterial properties, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. These pathogens are known to cause serious infections, highlighting the therapeutic potential of S. guineense. Although rare in chimpanzee diets, the targeted use suggests it may serve as a self-medicative resource for treating respiratory and other infections.

Scutia myrtina

This species showed notable antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, with both fresh bark and refuse samples collected from the ground below the plant exhibiting significant activity. Behavioral evidence indicates that chimpanzees may use S. myrtina to treat internal parasites, aligning with traditional human uses of the plant for intestinal worms.

Are we certain Chimpanzees self-medicate with Plants?

The study synthesized pharmacological and behavioral evidence to assess the therapeutic use of these species. The findings strongly support the hypothesis that certain bark and dead wood-eating behaviors in chimpanzees constitute novel self-medicative practices. Future research should prioritize long-term projects to systematically observe the health status of individuals engaging in these behaviors and conduct further pharmacological testing on other species.

Conclusion

The medicinal wisdom of Budongo chimpanzees, as revealed through their selective plant consumption, highlights the deep connection between nature and health.

In conclusion, the discovery of chimpanzee self-medication goes beyond just being a fascinating fact. It serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of protecting wildlife habitats. By safeguarding their natural pharmacies, we ensure the well-being of chimpanzees, preserve a potential treasure trove of natural medicines, and promote the health of our planet as a whole.