Budongo Forest, Uganda – Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in Budongo Forest, Uganda, where chimpanzees have been observed using medicinal leaves to treat their own injuries and assist others. This behavior could reveal important insights into the origins of human medicine.

Researchers from the University of Oxford studied two chimpanzee communities, Sonso and Waibira, over several months. They observed how these chimpanzees utilized plants with chemical properties known to aid in wound healing.

Dr. Elodie Freymann, the lead author of the study, explained that understanding how chimpanzees identify and use medicinal plants can offer a glimpse into the cognitive and social foundations of human healthcare. “Our research helps illuminate the evolutionary roots of human medicine and healthcare systems,” Freymann said.

The study recorded 41 instances of care, including both self-care and prosocial care, where chimpanzees helped others. Chimpanzees used various techniques to treat wounds, such as licking wounds to remove debris, applying plant materials, and using leaves for hygiene purposes.

Interestingly, care was not limited to close relatives, as some chimpanzees helped genetically unrelated individuals. These findings suggest that chimpanzees may recognize suffering in others and take action to alleviate it, even without a direct genetic benefit.

The research also highlighted hygiene behaviors, such as cleaning genitals after mating and wiping the anus after defecation, which may help prevent infections.

While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers note that more work is needed to understand the full social and ecological context of this behavior. Further research could help confirm the medicinal properties of the plants used by chimpanzees.

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