The image shows the facial wound of Lakus after being injured. Image Source: Physicist Organization Website
According to the latest issue of the journal "Nature Scientific Reports," biologists from Germany and Indonesia have discovered that a chimpanzee applied the juice of a plant commonly used in traditional medicine to its face, seemingly accelerating the healing of its facial wound. This is the first recorded instance in scientific literature of a non-human animal using a medicinal plant with healing properties to treat an open wound.
Researchers observed that a male Sumatran orangutan named Lakus, living in the Leuser Volcano National Park in Indonesia, had a new wound on his cheek. They speculated that this injury may have occurred during a fight with nearby male orangutans.
Three days after being injured, Lakus selectively tore off leaves of a vine plant called Akakuning, chewed them in his mouth, and meticulously applied the juice of the leaves repeatedly and precisely on the facial wound. This process lasted for about 7 minutes. Finally, he completely covered the wound with the chewed leaf residue.
Four days later, Lakus' wound had healed. In just a month, the wound on Lakus' cheek had completely recovered, leaving only a faint scar.
Researchers suggest that this plant may have expedited the healing process due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Local people also commonly use it to treat diseases such as malaria and jaundice.
Interestingly, during the period of injury, Lakus rested more than usual, which may have had a positive impact on wound healing. During sleep, the release of growth hormones, protein synthesis, and cell division all increase.
(Original Title: Chimpanzee Appears Using Herbal Self-Treatment for Injuries)
