Research into wild gorillas’ use of medicinal plants reveals new drug discovery potential. Scientists found that four plants consumed by gorillas in Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, also used by local healers, contain potent antioxidants and antimicrobials. These include the fromager tree (Ceiba pentandra), giant yellow mulberry (Myrianthus arboreus), African teak (Milicia excelsa), and fig trees (Ficus).
Laboratory tests showed these plants’ bark has antibacterial properties, with the fromager tree notably effective against drug-resistant E. coli strains. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests gorillas select plants with healing properties and highlights the need to explore Gabon’s rich but under-researched flora.
