Recent research suggests that gorillas may provide key insights into future drug discoveries through their self-medicating behaviors. By studying the plants consumed by wild gorillas, scientists have identified several plants with potential medicinal properties that could aid in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria.
Study Overview
The research was led by Leresche Even Doneilly Oyaba Yinda from the Interdisciplinary Medical Research Centre of Franceville in Gabon. The findings were published on September 11 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. The researchers focused on the behavior of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla) in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon, and their interactions with various plant species.
Investigating Gorilla Diet and Local Medicine
- Observations of Gorillas: The research team observed the gorillas’ dietary habits and identified specific plants they consumed.
- Interviews with Locals: To further understand the medicinal properties of these plants, the researchers interviewed 27 people from the nearby village of Doussala, including traditional healers and herbalists. This allowed the team to compare the plants used in local medicine with those eaten by gorillas.
Key Medicinal Plants Identified
The researchers identified four tropical plants that are used by both gorillas and local healers:
- Fromager Tree (Ceiba pentandra)
- Giant Yellow Mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus)
- African Teak (Milicia excelsa)
- Fig Trees (Ficus)
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties
- Laboratory Experiments: The research team tested bark samples of the four plants to assess their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The bark of all four plants showed antibacterial activity, particularly against multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Remarkable Findings: The bark of the fromager tree demonstrated “remarkable activity” against all tested E. coli strains, making it a particularly promising candidate for further study.
Chemical Composition of the Plants
The bark samples contained several compounds with potential medicinal effects, including:
- Phenols
- Alkaloids
- Flavonoids
- Proanthocyanidins
While it’s unclear whether gorillas consume these plants for their medicinal properties, the findings open new avenues for drug discovery.
Potential for Future Drug Discoveries
Biodiverse regions like central Africa hold a wealth of unexplored plants with medicinal potential. The four plants studied here may offer hope in treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This research highlights the need for further exploration of zoopharmacognosy, an emerging field focused on discovering new drugs through the study of animal self-medicating behaviors.
Study Conclusion
The authors of the study emphasized the importance of alternative medicines and therapies in addressing current and future public health challenges. The findings from this study may help inform future drug discovery efforts aimed at combating superbugs and other bacterial infections.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What behavior of gorillas is believed to offer insights into future drug discoveries?
A) Social interaction
B) Self-medicating behavior
C) Hunting techniques
D) Nest-building practices
Answer: B) Self-medicating behavior
2. Which plant showed “remarkable activity” against all tested E. coli strains?
A) Giant yellow mulberry
B) African teak
C) Fromager tree
D) Fig tree
Answer: C) Fromager tree
3. What compounds were found in the plants consumed by gorillas and used in traditional medicine?
A) Carbohydrates and fats
B) Proteins and vitamins
C) Phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins
D) Sugars and minerals
Answer: C) Phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins
4. In which region was this study on gorillas and medicinal plants conducted?
A) South America
B) Central Africa
C) Southeast Asia
D) North America
Answer: B) Central Africa
5. What is the term for the new approach focused on discovering drugs by studying animal self-medicating behavior?
A) Ethnobotany
B) Phytotherapy
C) Zoopharmacognosy
D) Animal pharmacology
Answer: C) Zoopharmacognosy