Sumatran Orangutan Uses Akar Kuning for Self-Medication, a First

May 2, 2024, 07:06 PM

In a groundbreaking observation, scientists have documented a wild Sumatran orangutan applying a medicinal plant to treat a facial wound. This marks the first recorded instance of a wild animal using a natural substance with known medicinal properties for self-medication. The orangutan, named Rakus, was seen chewing leaves of the plant Akar Kuning, known for its pain-relieving, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, and applying the resulting paste to a wound on his cheek. This behavior highlights a significant aspect of animal behavior, showing that wild animals can utilize natural resources for self-healing and that Akar Kuning is sometimes used to relieve malaria symptoms.