Wild chimpanzees have been observed eating plants with pain-relieving and antibacterial properties to self-medicate and heal themselves, according to a recent study by scientists in Uganda. The researchers engaged in ‘detective work’ in the forests to study injured or sick chimps and their plant consumption habits.

By closely monitoring the behaviors of the chimpanzees, researchers identified instances where the animals sought out specific plants from the forest when injured or unwell. Samples of these plants were collected and analyzed, revealing that many of them exhibited antibacterial properties.

Published in the journal PLOS One, the study suggests that the plants consumed by the chimps could potentially lead to the discovery of new medicines. Lead researcher Dr. Elodie Freymann from the University of Oxford emphasized the importance of testing plants that the chimps naturally seek out for their medicinal properties.

Dr. Freymann spent extensive time observing two communities of wild chimpanzees in the Budongo Central Forest Reserve over the past four years. In addition to monitoring signs of pain and collecting samples for analysis, the researchers paid special attention to instances where the chimps deviated from their usual diet to consume unconventional items like tree bark or fruit skin.

One notable observation was a male chimp with a severely wounded hand that exhibited signs of discomfort. While the rest of the group was engaged in eating, the injured chimp was seen seeking out and consuming ferns, a behavior that caught the researchers’ attention. Analysis of the fern, known as Christella parasitica, revealed potent anti-inflammatory properties.

During the study, researchers collected samples from 13 different plant species, with nearly 90% of the extracts showing inhibition of bacterial growth and a third displaying natural anti-inflammatory properties. These findings indicate that the plants consumed by the chimpanzees may aid in pain reduction and healing.

All the injured and ill chimps observed in the study eventually made a full recovery, providing valuable insights into the self-medicating behaviors of wild chimpanzees. The study highlights the potential of exploring natural remedies used by animals for the development of new medicinal treatments.