Loading...
Market
Types of ailments treated by Sumatran orangutans using Akar Kuning by 2024
4
Resolution / Starting Odds
Only external wounds • 25%
Pain relief • 25%
Infection control • 25%
Other ailments • 25%
Scientific journals or field studies
Story
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.
View original story
Similar markets
Use of different plants • 33%
Use of non-plant materials • 33%
No new behaviors • 34%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Liana Leaves • 20%
Fig Leaves • 20%
Bark • 20%
Fruits • 20%
Other • 20%
Antiseptic plants • 33%
Anti-inflammatory plants • 33%
Wound-healing plants • 34%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Gorillas • 25%
Chimpanzees • 25%
Bonobos • 25%
None discovered • 25%
Borneo • 25%
Sumatra • 25%
Both Borneo and Sumatra • 25%
Neither • 25%