In Indonesia, scientists have recently observed an orangutan named Rakus using a medicinal plant to treat a wound on its face. This behavior has not been documented in animals other than humans before. Rakus chewed the leaves of a climbing plant called Akar Kuning and then applied the juice on the wound multiple times. The orangutan then covered the wound with chewed leaves, which are commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses like dysentery, diabetes, and malaria.
The study lead author, Isabelle Laumer, expressed excitement about the observations, stating that this behavior represents the first report of active wound management using a biologically active plant in a great ape species. Researchers believe that Rakus sustained the wound during a fight with another male orangutan. It was also noted that the 30-year-old male spent a significant amount of time resting during the recovery period, which was unexpected to the team. This discovery sheds light on the potential medicinal knowledge and behaviors of non-human primates like orangutans, showcasing their ability to actively care for their own injuries using natural remedies.
Chemical analysis of the plant’s composition revealed antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that are beneficial for wound healing. The observation was made in Suaq Balimbing research area in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia and published in the journal Scientific Reports.
