Animal herbalists

You must be aware that we humans often turn to Mother Nature for plants of medicinal value and other therapeutic substances, to heal many an ailment. But, are you aware that a number of animals too actively use them for a wide range of purposes?

Even though you may find it hard to believe, there are many 'herbalists' in the animal kingdom.

Scientific research has proved that many mammals and birds make use of the therapeutic qualities of the

 plants in much the same way as we humans do. Perhaps, the most common example of an animal herbalist is the chimpanzee.

It is said that Tanzanians consider Aspilia leaves (a genus of the bushy plant related to the sunflower) to be an effective and powerful antibiotic, against harmful bacteria and fungi. Even though the taste is far too unpleasant for chewing, the leaves, which are also capable of ridding the intestinal tract of parasite nematodes are used by them.

It has been revealed that chimpanzees living in the Gombe National Park of Tanzania have been seen pulling leaves off any of the three species of Aspilia. However, instead of just chewing the leaves, the apes are said to roll them around their mouths for a while, the same way humans do with medicinal pills, before swallowing them whole.

As these chimps eat the leaves first thing in the morning, scientists are of the view that they may be acting as a stimulant too, just like the cup of tea or coffee humans drink, shortly after waking up in the morning.

Tanzanian chimps are also known to turn to another herbal remedy popularly used by native tribes to counter parasites and stomach pains. It is the bitter-tasting pith of the aptly named bitter leaf shrub. This plant has helped the recovery of many a sick chimp in the park. Chimps are also known to use the aloe plant which has a soothing gel for skin irritation and injuries.

It is not only the chimps, certain African monkeys too are accomplished herbalists. Would you believe that baboons eat the leaves from the Sodom Apple to stop severe bouts of diarrhoea? They also eat the fruits of the Balanites tree to cure parasitic infections. Female baboons are said to eat the leaves of the candelabra tree for relief from menstrual stomach cramps.

Other animals that are known to use various substances as medicine are vervet or green monkeys, Zanzibar red colobuses and various Madagascar lemurs. For example, the Zanzibar red colobus is said to eat charcoal (which it steals from humans) to counter the toxic effects of the protein-rich leaves of the mango and almond it feeds on.

Otherwise, the toxins would have a harmful effect on the functioning of the monkey's digestive system.

Scientists also believe that certain apes and monkeys deliberately eat some herbs to control reproduction and also the gender of their offspring. Researchers also claim that even elephants may be eating the bark of the red seringa tree to induce labour.

There are many in the avian world too who are experienced 'herbalists'. Some birds use even soil to neutralise

 toxic effects. For example, the green winged macaws and scarlet macaws of South America are known to eat the riverbank soil or clay for the kaolin it contains. They generally do so before they start hunting for their food that usually contains toxins. Even the local Indians eat kaolin to avoid severe gastric problems that could be caused by the consumption of wild potatoes.

Birds not only eat leaves of medicinal value, they also use them in their nests. For instance, eagles and various other birds of prey keep parasitic insects out of their nests by using aromatic leaves. Such leaves act as effective insecticides. Starlings too line their nests with herbs that ward off or kill nest parasites.

The leaves of the paradise flower tree are rich in the anti-malarial drug, quinine. It is recorded that scientists in Calcutta had discovered that house sparrows line their nests and even chew on these leaves during an outbreak of malaria. Usually the sparrows use the leaves from the neem tree to line their nests. These leaves contain high concentrations of insect repellent compounds.

So, don't you think it's fascinating that animals in the wilds also have their own ways of healing and protecting themselves and their young from various ailments? We often see our domestic pets, especially cats and dogs eating special kinds of plants and grass for various reasons, haven't we? It's the same with our friends in the

jungles too. Read more about these animal herbalists whenever you can.

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Fact file

* North American brown bears and kodiak bears are known to dig out the root of a medicinal plant called Ligusticum, chew it and then rub the juices on their fur and faces.

The plant is noted to be effective in the treatment of stomachaches and bacterial infections.

According to legend and folklore of the Navajos of southwest United States, the bear is held in high esteem. It is said that the highly revered bear spirit gave them this plant to use as medicine.

* Long before we humans discovered the medicinal value of plants and other substances found in the natural environment, the animals in the wild were aware of it.

In fact, we don't have to go to the jungles today to notice how animals use such plants to cure certain ailments.

Our domesticated cats and dogs are ample evidence. It is said that even the ancient Greek god named Asclepius respected the dogs very highly for their ability to seek out medicinal herbs in the wild.

* Researchers are of the view that female chimpanzees may be eating the leaves of certain Ziziphus (jujub) and Combretum species to reduce the number of the local chimp population if it has become too large.

* The mantled howler monkey may be using plants to influence the gender of its offspring.

* Female spider monkeys have been observed to eat more of a particular legume nicknamed monkey ear which is supposed to be producing a steroid that enhances fertility. Researchers are yet to determine whether these monkeys do it deliberately or not.