Researchers have documented evidence that African elephants in the Mount Elgon region of Kenya employ multiple plant species for medicinal purposes, both for themselves and their offspring. The findings come from a study that interviewed local residents, including wildlife scouts and community elders who work in proximity to these animals. These elephants, known for their behavior of extracting minerals from cave rocks, appear to select and use approximately 35 different plant species, with 25 of those having recognized medicinal properties in the local community.
The research team, led by Dr. Elodie Freymann from Brown University and collaborating with the Mount Elgon Foundation, gathered accounts describing elephants consuming particular plants when apparently ill. Witness testimonies included descriptions of mother elephants preparing plant material for their calves, sometimes chewing plants smooth and mixing them with their milk. One commonly cited example involves a plant called Angurweet, traditionally used locally to treat stomach ailments and other conditions. According to scout reports, mothers have been observed preparing this plant material and feeding it to their young.
Scientists acknowledge that while these accounts are compelling, additional evidence is required to fully substantiate the claims. Researchers are expanding their investigation by equipping local wildlife experts with cameras to document observed behaviors. They are simultaneously conducting botanical analysis of the plants elephants consume, seeking to identify any medicinal compounds or previously undocumented therapeutic properties.
The practice of animal self-medication is not new to scientific inquiry. Historical records dating to the early third century describe elephants using natural remedies, with Roman author Claudius Aelian documenting an elephant’s recovery after consuming olive flowers and oil. Contemporary research has identified similar behaviors across numerous species, from insects to primates. Dr. Freymann emphasized that understanding these wildlife practices could inform pharmaceutical discovery and highlight the importance of forest conservation, as many modern medications derive from compounds originally found in natural environments.
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