Zoopharmacognosy
Prelims:
Environment & Ecology, Science &
Technology
Mains:
GS Paper III-Environmental and Biodiversity
Current
relevance:
A review by G. Allen et
al., published in Scientific Reports
(2026), highlighted how orangutans
in Indonesia use medicinal plants for self-treatment, demonstrating the
phenomenon of zoopharmacognosy.
Highlights:
1.
Zoopharmacognosy:
It refers to the behaviour of animals using plants, roots, fruits, soil, or other
natural substances to prevent or treat illnesses.
2.
Self-Medication
by Orangutans:
i.
Orangutans in the Sebangau Forest, Central Kalimantan
(Indonesia) were observed preparing a mixture
of saliva and dracaena leaves and applying it to their bodies.
ii.
This self-treatment is believed to purify the air, relieve muscle pain, and reduce
joint discomfort while carrying their babies.
3.
Dracaena
plant:
It is an evergreen plant belonging to the asparagus family and has been reported to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and
anticancer properties, making it a plant of medicinal
significance.
4.
Examples
of Self-Medication in Animals:
i.
Chimpanzees
in
Nigeria swallow the leaves of Desmodium
gangeticum (Shalaparni) to eliminate parasites affecting their skin.
ii.
Elephants chew oregano leaves to obtain relief
from phlegm.
iii.
Monkeys, sheep, dogs, and cats
consume grass to
eliminate parasites such as worms and amoeba. They also ingest clay or soil particles for pain
relief, a behaviour known as geophagy.
iv.
Birds use herbs to protect their nests
from invaders.
Source:
PIB - https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/zoopharmacognosy-when-animals-medicate-themselves/article71248990.ece