Chimpanzees Self-Medicate with Medicinal Plants, Study Finds

A study published in PLOS One reveals that chimpanzees in Uganda's Budongo Forest use specific plants with medicinal properties to self-medicate when sick or injured. Researchers observed the chimps consuming plants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of natural remedies. The findings highlight the potential for discovering new human medicines and underscore the importance of conservation efforts to protect these behaviors and their habitats.