Research Suggests Neanderthals May Have Used Birch Bark Tar for Medicinal Purposes

A study published in PLOS One explores whether Neanderthals utilized birch bark tar for its potential antibiotic properties. Researchers from the University of Cologne and University of Oxford, led by archaeologist Tjaark Siemssen, conducted experiments using bark from downy birch and silver birch trees collected in Germany. They employed three traditional extraction methods: a metal tin technique adapted from L'nu (Mi'kmaq) practices, a raised structure method involving clay and fire, and a condensation approach using stones. The resulting tar samples were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, showing varying effectiveness. While some samples demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, others had minimal impact, with silver birch tar from the raised structure method proving most effective. The research suggests Neanderthals might have intentionally exploited these properties for wound treatment, aligning with previous evidence of medicinal plant use among early humans. However, some archaeologists like Karen Hardy of the University of Glasgow question whether the complex production process would have been justified solely for medicinal purposes. The study also notes that birch tar represents one of humanity's oldest synthetic materials, with archaeological evidence dating back approximately 190,000 years in Europe.