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How other primates self-medicate – and what they could teach us

Despite our advances in technology and medicine, we seem to be fighting a never-ending battle against a number of diseases and ailments. As viruses become more complex and bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, it seems that the lab-made drugs we have become so dependent on may no longer provide the cures we need. Perhaps this is why we are now in the hope that there may be a remedy tucked away somewhere in a remote tropical rain forest.

It could be that our closest living relatives, non-human primates, hold some of the answers we seek. Many species including chimpanzees make use of the natural resources in their habitats to self-medicate and improve their own health. This behaviour, known as zoopharmacognosy, typically involves ingestion or topical application of plants, soils, insects or even psychoactive drugs in order .

One of the most well known examples are domestic dogs and cats eating grass in order to induce vomiting if they have an upset stomach or internal parasite. However, most studies of animal self-medication are in non-human primates. One of the first documented cases was in 1983, when researchers observed chimpanzees in Tanzania without chewing them. Other scientists in chimp colonies in Uganda and Nigeria. This is quite unusual, not only because there is no nutritional benefit in swallowing these leaves whole, but also because the leaves themselves have a rough and bristly surface. So what is the purpose of doing this?

It was only as recently as 1996 that scientists suggested it was a form of self-medication, as research began to link it with . It seemed the chimpanzees were swallowing the leaves to take advantage of their rough and bristly surface to hook onto the worms as they passed through their digestive system, purging their intestines of parasitic worms. The tamarin monkeys of South America, however, have found a different method to remove internal parasites. They are of up to 1.5cm, which then pass through their digestive tract dislodging or expelling internal parasites.

Clay, charcoal and fur-rubbing

Another odd behaviour that is also thought of as a kind of self-medication is soil and clay consumption, which has been observed in a number of . It was generally believed that or to absorb and neutralise certain plant compounds, which might be toxic or interfere with digestion. Although there is no compelling evidence that soil consumption detoxifies chemicals, have found that some clays have antibacterial properties.

Charcoal consumption on the other hand is known to relieve indigestion and, more importantly, can be used as an antidote to detoxify poisons. This method of self-medication is still widely used among humans, but , the . The diet of these monkeys mainly consists of young leaves that are fairly toxic – and by ingesting charcoal they are able to neutralise the effects.

Anointing behaviour, or fur-rubbing, is where animals rub strong smelling substances into their fur. There are a few explanations for the function of this behaviour, including social signalling and sexual selection but it can also be a form of self-medication against skin parasites. Fur-rubbing in a wide range of primate species. , for instance, use toxic millipedes to rub their fur whereas use aromatic leaves including those of celery, orangutans use Commelina herbs and plants and millipedes.

anoint with a surprisingly wide range of materials – including plants, aromatic leaves, onion, citrus fruits and invertebrates such as ants and millipedes. All of these items have some form of insect repelling properties. Monkeys typically apply them more frequently during the rainy season when there are more flying insects around.

The different forms of self-medicating by our cousins provide simple and natural solutions to combat parasites and other ailments. The research could also provide . One of the founders of zoopharmacognosy, , a professor at Cornell University, has argued that some of the compounds animals use to kill parasitic worms .

Many plant species have been found to be rich in a substances which have . Despite this, a study suggests for their medicinal properties. However, pharmaceutical firms and medical institutes have been screening rainforest plant species for anti-cancer and anti-HIV compounds .

This research holds the promise of endless possibilities and by looking at the specific items used by primates and other organisms for self-medication we can then identify whether their chemical compositions would be suitable for curing or aiding the treatment of human diseases and illnesses.