Archaeologists have uncovered the oldest confirmed use of a medicinal mixture, combining multiple ingredients, dating back 7,000 years. This groundbreaking discovery was made in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, revealing a femur bone containing ancient bone arrowheads. Through detailed chemical analysis, researchers identified two toxic cardiac glycosides on the arrowheads, marking the earliest known use of a plant toxin mixture applied to hunting weapons.
The discovery took place at Kruger Cave, where a femur bone was found in 1983. The bone contained three modified bone arrowheads, concealed within its marrow cavity. However, it was not until recent archaeological investigations in 2022 that the significance of this find was fully realized. Advanced X-ray techniques and chemical analyses revealed the presence of digitoxin and strophanthidin, two potent cardiac glycosides known to affect heart muscle function.
This discovery adds to a growing body of evidence regarding the use of poisons in hunting practices throughout history. In southern Africa, researchers have identified adhesives made from conifer resin, ochre, and fat mixtures that date back at least 60,000 years. These were likely used to enhance the effectiveness of hunting tools and weapons.
Additionally, at Kuumbi Cave in Zanzibar, a 13,000-year-old deposit contained what is believed to be arrow poison on bone arrowheads. This suggests that the application of poison to hunting weapons could have originated as early as 60,000 to 70,000 years ago, coinciding with the invention of projectile technology in Africa.
Further supporting this timeline, molecular evidence of poison use has been discovered at Border Cave. A 24,000-year-old wooden spatula found there bore traces of ricinoleic acid, a compound associated with the potent toxin ricin. These findings indicate that ancient societies had a sophisticated understanding of plant toxins and their potential applications.
The Kruger Cave discovery is particularly significant as it represents the first confirmed instance of a mixture of two or more plant toxins specifically applied to arrowheads. It demonstrates an advanced knowledge of chemistry and medicine in ancient societies, highlighting their ability to harness natural resources for practical purposes.
Moreover, this finding aligns with other archaeological discoveries in the region. A 1,000-year-old arrow found at Kruger Cave also contained poison, further confirming the long-standing tradition of using toxins in hunting practices across southern Africa.
