A recent study published in Scientific Reports, reported on the first systematically documented case of topical wound treatment with a known biologically active plant by a wild animal.
The study took place in the Suaq Balimbing research area, which is a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park in South Aceh, Indonesia. The study subject was a male, flanged, Sumatran Orangutan named Rakus. He was first observed in March of 2009 while he was an unflanged male. On June 22, 2022 Rakus was observed with a fresh wound on the right side of his face. Three days after this initial sighting of the wound, Rakus began eating the stem and leaves of liana of Fibraurea tinctoria (aka ‘Akar Kuning’). After eating the plant he stopped swallowing his portions and instead turned to only chewing the leaves, then using his fingers to pick up the juice produced by chewing the leaves and spreading it on the open wound. After this, Rakus used the plant pulp from his mouth to completely cover the open wound.
The wound appeared to close around June 30, 2022 and looked fully healed by July 19, 2022. Researchers also noted that Rakus engaged in more restful periods than before the injury, which could have also contributed to the healing process.
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