Ancient DNA Reveals 5,000-Year-Old Charcoal Remedies in Turkey

Recent findings from İnönü Cave in Turkey’s Zonguldak province have uncovered evidence that prehistoric people utilized charcoal-based remedies to address digestive issues up to 5,000 years ago. This research, published in the journal PLoS ONE, also reveals the presence of antibiotic resistance genes long before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, challenging existing narratives about ancient medical practices and microbial evolution.

The excavation at İnönü Cave, led by Associate Professor Dr. Hamza Ekmen since 2017, has provided insights into continuous human habitation from the Chalcolithic Age through the Iron Age. The cave’s unique geological features, including its volcanic composition, offered valuable natural resources, particularly coal, which prehistoric inhabitants used for medicinal purposes. Soil samples from four distinct cultural layers indicated that ancient peoples treated conditions such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain with coal-derived substances, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of natural remedies that aligns with modern activated charcoal therapies.

The groundbreaking study identified several antibiotic resistance genes, including the tetA gene from 4300 BC, the intl1 gene from 3000 BC, and the OXA-58 gene from 1400 BC. These findings support the “resistome hypothesis,” which posits that antibiotic resistance is a natural feature of soil bacteria, evolving long before human intervention. According to Dr. İkran Öztürk, the lead researcher from Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, “Antibiotic resistance is not only a consequence of modern drug use but a deeply rooted ecological trait.”

Soil DNA analysis revealed major bacterial groups such as Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria, illustrating how microbial communities evolved alongside human activities. The study noted an increase in Proteobacteria during the Early Bronze Age, likely linked to animal husbandry, while samples from the Chalcolithic period suggested the use of aquatic resources, indicated by the presence of Cyanobacteria.

This research exemplifies the interdisciplinary approach of Turkey’s One Health initiative, which aims to connect human, animal, and environmental health. The revelations from İnönü Cave not only shed light on ancient healthcare practices but also emphasize the importance of archaeology in addressing contemporary health challenges, particularly the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

As the world grapples with increasing cases of antibiotic resistance, these discoveries from İnönü Cave underscore the value of understanding our past. By examining ancient practices, researchers can gain insights into the evolution of medicine and find potential solutions to modern health crises. The excavation at İnönü Cave stands as a testament to the intricate relationship between humanity and its environment, revealing that the roots of modern healthcare may extend far deeper into history than previously thought.