A recent study suggests that gorillas‘ dietary habits may offer crucial insights into drug discovery, particularly for treatments of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Researchers in Gabon have identified four tropical plants consumed by wild gorillas, which are also traditionally used by local healers. These plants, rich in antioxidants and antimicrobials, have demonstrated promising medicinal potential.
The study, led by Leresche Even Doneilly Oyaba Yinda from the Interdisciplinary Medical Research Centre of Franceville, Gabon, was published in PLOS ONE on September 11. The researchers observed the behavior of western lowland gorillas in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park and recorded the plants they consumed. They then interviewed 27 local residents, including herbalists and traditional healers, to identify plants used in traditional medicine.
Four plant species were found to overlap in both the gorilla diet and traditional remedies: the fromager tree (Ceiba pentandra), giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus), African teak (Milicia excelsa), and fig trees (Ficus). When tested for antibacterial and antioxidant properties, bark samples from all four plants showed activity against at least one multidrug-resistant strain of Escherichia coli, with the fromager tree displaying remarkable efficacy.
The plants also contained compounds known for medicinal effects, including phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. Although it’s uncertain whether gorillas consume these plants for medicinal purposes, the findings highlight the potential for further research.
The authors of the study emphasized the importance of exploring alternative medicines, stating, “Zoopharmacognosy offers new approaches to drug discovery, especially for tackling present and future public health challenges.”
This research underscores the untapped potential of biodiversity-rich regions like central Africa for discovering new treatments, particularly for fighting superbugs.
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