Self-Medicating Behaviour in Gorillas
The study, published on September 11 in PLOS ONE, suggests that wild gorillas engage in self-medicating behaviour by consuming plants that have medicinal properties. Researchers identified four key plants consumed by gorillas in Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park. These same plants are also commonly used in traditional medicine by local communities.
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Medicinal Plants Identified
Researchers observed the western lowland gorillas and interviewed 27 people, including traditional healers, from the nearby village of Doussala. The team discovered four plant species consumed by the gorillas that also have traditional medicinal uses:
Fromager tree (Ceiba pentandra)
Giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus)
African teak (Milicia excelsa)
Fig trees (Ficus spp.)
Testing for Medicinal Properties
The research team tested the bark of these plants for antibacterial and antioxidant properties. They found that all four plants showed antibacterial activity, particularly against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli. The fromager tree showed the strongest antibacterial effect, effective against all strains of E. coli tested.
Compounds and Potential for Drug Discovery
The plants contain medicinal compounds such as phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are known for their antimicrobial properties. While it remains unclear whether gorillas consume these plants for their medicinal effects, the study opens up new avenues for drug discovery, particularly in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Future Implications for Medicine
Central Africa’s rich biodiversity offers vast potential for the discovery of new medicinal plants. The study’s authors believe that zoopharmacognosy—the study of animals self-medicating with natural substances—could lead to alternative therapies and medicines, particularly for tackling public health challenges.
The research offers promising insights into the potential for discovering new medicines from plants used by both gorillas and traditional healers. These findings could help in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, providing hope for future medical advancements.