New evidence for self‐medication in bonobos: Manniophyton fulvum leaf‐ and stemstrip‐swallowing from LuiKotale, Salonga National Park, DR Congo

Researchers present new evidence supporting the hypothesis that bonobos engage in self-medication by consuming leaves and stemstrips of Manniophyton fulvum without chewing, a behavior observed at LuiKotale in Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. The study meets four out of six criteria proposed by Huffman for identifying plants ingested for medicinal purposes, suggesting that bonobos may use this plant to alleviate parasite infestations or other stressors. Analysis of 1,094 dung piles and phenological data revealed that ingestion occurred seasonally, correlating with rain and temperature patterns, which are predictors for parasite development and immune response challenges in hosts. The findings also highlight potential pharmacological effects of the plant, drawing parallels to its ethnomedicinal uses by humans.

Fruth, B., Ikombe, N. B., Matshimba, G. K., Metzger, S., Muganza, D. M., Mundry, R., & Fowler, A. (2013). New evidence for self‐medication in bonobos: Manniophyton fulvum leaf‐ and stemstrip‐swallowing from LuiKotale, Salonga National Park, DR Congo. American Journal of Primatology, 76(2), 146–158. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22217