A new study revealed that a Neanderthal used aspirin to treat pain caused by dental abscess.

Researchers from the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA (ACAD) discovered a fossilized jawbone with traces of dental plaque and damages caused by abscess. They also observed remains of a diarrhea-causing intestinal parasite making them hypothesize that the now extinct man "was quite sick."

According to the study published in the journal Nature, the Neanderthal man lived in Spain, formerly El Sidron. He chewed on tree bits containing anti pain, salicylic acid which is currently used to create aspirin. Researcher Alan Cooper said, "apparently, Neanderthals possessed a good knowledge of medicinal plants and their various anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and seem to be self-medicating."

The researchers analyzed the DNA found in two El Sidron and two Spy Cave Neandertal men. They discovered that the DNA belonged to microorganisms thriving in the extinct creature's mouth, trachea and stomach. These microbiomes are said to be similar to that of foraging ancestors of Africans.

The study also mentioned that one of the Neanderthals from El Sidron had almost complete Methanobrevibacter oralis genome, a causative agent of gum diseases and cavities.

Cooper also described that "those from El Sidron Cave, showed no evidence for meat consumption, but appeared instead to have a largely vegetarian diet comprising pine nuts, moss, mushrooms and tree bark." The authors added that the sick Neanderthal from Spain was found to have Penicillium traces in his fossilized jaw bones.

This new discovery contradicts with the "simplistic view of our ancient relatives in popular imagination," Cooper added. Existing studies also revealed that Neanderthals also learned how to make art and jewelry. They also had ceremonies for burying the dead and took part in caring for the seniors. However, the extinct beings are also believed to be cannibals.

Neanderthal men lived in Central Asia, Middle East and Europe 300,000 years ago but became extinct 40,000 years passed. Scientists also believe that they interbred with homo sapiens which resulted to the existing 2 percent DNA present in all humans living in former Neanderthalian areas except Africa.