Emily Chan
Akar Kuning is an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial plant used in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia for the treatment of malaria, dysentery, and even diabetes. Orangutans are known to use plants for medicinal purposes.
There have been cases where orangutans were seen swallowing leaves of plants that help fight against parasite infections. The practice is common among other apes as well.
The scientists speculate that Rakus was applying the Akar Kuning for pain relief. It also may have been a way to protect the wound from pesky flies.
The behavior of medicinal plant use may come from a common ancestor shared by humans and great apes millions of years ago.
The details of the research were published in the journal Scientific Reports.
