The first molecular evidence that Neanderthals not only ate a range of cooked plant foods but also understood its nutritional and medicinal qualities has been uncovered by new study.Until recently Neanderthals who disappeared between 30,000 and 24,000 years ago were thought to be predominantly meat eaters.The researchers have combined pyrolysis gas chromatography with morphological analysis of plant microfossils to identify material trapped in dental calculus from five Neanderthals from the north Spanish site of El Sidron.
The research has provided first molecular evidence for medicinal plants being used by a Neanderthal individual.The starch granules and carbohydrate markers in the samples plus evidence for plant compounds such as azulenes and coumarins as well as possible evidence for nuts,grasses and even green vegetables suggested broader use of plants.It also suggest that Neanderthal occupants of El Sidr'n had a sophisticated knowledge of their natural surroundings which included the ability to select and use certain plants for their nutritional value and for self medication.
