An international research team has uncovered evidence of the earliest known medicinal use of the plant Ephedra in acave known as the Pigeon Cave in Taforalt, near Berkane in Eastern Morocco. The plant dates back 15,000 years, according to a study published in the journal “Nature” and National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage (INSAP).
This significant discovery identified the burnt fruit of Ephedra found in burial sites, indicating that prehistoric humans utilized this plant for healing, particularly in treating wounds and alleviating pain during the Upper Paleolithic era.
The findings build on previous research conducted in the same cave, which revealed a human skull displaying signs of trepanation, a surgical procedure thought to be the oldest known surgery also dating back 15,000 years.
The presence of the burnt Ephedra fruit in burial contexts suggests that the plant was not only used for medicinal purposes but may also have played a role in funeral rites. Researchers believe that Ephedra may have contributed to the survival of individuals who underwent surgical operations, providing essential pain relief and aiding recovery.
The collaborative research team includes experts from the INSAP in Morocco, the University of Oxford, and the Natural History Museum in London.
Among the contributors are Ismail Ziani, a doctoral student at the University of Las Palmas, Abdeljalil Bouzouggar, director of INSAP, and other notable researchers from various institutions, including the Max Planck Institute in Germany.
Previously, the oldest evidence of Ephedra was found in a Neanderthal burial site dating to around 40,000 years ago, which consisted of pollen believed to have been deposited by wind.
In contrast, the discovery in Taforalt provides direct evidence of the deliberate use of Ephedra for medicinal purposes, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of early human practices.
It suggests that groups in Taforalt had a sophisticated knowledge of plant applications for health, occurring approximately 8,000 years before the advent of the Neolithic period.
These findings illuminate not only the medical practices of prehistoric peoples but also their social and cultural behaviors, revealing a deep connection between humans and their natural environment.
The research underscores the importance of Ephedra and other medicinal plants in early human survival and health, opening new avenues for understanding the evolution of medical practices throughout human history.