Deep in Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, wild gorillas have a secret—an unusual taste for tree bark that could hold the key to fighting deadly, drug-resistant bacteria. These clever apes feast on plants that local healers have used for generations, hinting at a hidden natural pharmacy in the heart of the jungle. Could the gorillas’ ancient wisdom lead to new, powerful medicines for humans? Scientists are only beginning to explore how these plants work and what secrets they might still hide. Nature, it seems, is full of surprises—and potential cures waiting to be discovered.
Wild Gorillas in Gabon and Their Unique Diet

In Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, wild gorillas have been found to eat specific plants with antibacterial properties. These plants are the same ones used by local traditional healers. The discovery could have implications for treating drug-resistant bacteria in humans.
Plants with Medicinal Properties
Researchers identified four key plants in the gorillas’ diet: the fromager tree, giant yellow mulberry, African teak, and the fig tree. These plants have been used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments. The bark of these trees is particularly noteworthy for its antibacterial qualities.
The Study of Tree Bark and Bacteria

Scientists tested the tree bark by creating extracts and placing them in petri dishes with drug-resistant E. coli. These bacteria, previously collected from gorillas, showed reduced growth when exposed to the bark extracts. The fromager tree bark was the most effective, working against all 10 E. coli strains tested.
Key Chemical Compounds Identified
The study revealed that the bark extracts contained phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and antiviral effects. While promising, the exact chemicals responsible for the antibacterial effects remain unidentified.
Gorilla Diet and Plant Use

Interestingly, gorillas do not eat tree bark as a staple; it serves as a fallback when fruit is scarce. This selective consumption suggests that the gorillas may benefit from the medicinal properties of these plants. Other great apes have shown similar behaviors, using specific plants for their health benefits.
The Potential for Human Medicine
The plants consumed by gorillas could hold potential for developing new drugs to treat human bacterial infections. However, much more research is needed to understand how these plants might work in human bodies. Scientists are cautious, as the effects on humans could differ significantly from those on gorillas.
A Word of Caution
While there is excitement about these findings, scientists warn against assuming that what’s safe for gorillas is safe for humans. Toxicology studies have not yet been conducted to confirm that these plants are free from side effects in humans. The researchers emphasize the need for careful and thorough study before any conclusions are drawn.
Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science

The overlap between the gorillas’ diet and traditional medicine highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge. Local healers have used these plants for generations, treating various conditions like coughs, ulcers, and fatigue. This shared use suggests a deeper understanding of nature’s pharmacy that science is only beginning to explore.
Protecting Nature’s Pharmacy
Jessica Lodwick, a primatologist, points out that conserving these tree species is essential. If these trees are logged without understanding their medicinal value, we risk losing potential treatments. Protecting these plants is crucial for both human and animal health.
Future Research Directions

More research is needed to uncover the full potential of these plants. Scientists aim to study the effects of these plants on gorillas’ health in the wild and understand their broader ecological importance. The journey from gorilla diet to human medicine is just beginning, and it holds a lot of promise.
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