Journal article
Using Indigenous and traditional medicine knowledge in research and development for drug discovery: hypothetical case vignettes
Australian journal of chemistry, Vol.79(5), pp.1-11
05/2026
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Abstract
Background. Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and Traditional Knowledge (TK) have long contributed to global health through the sustainable use of medicinal plants. Yet, their integration into pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) often occurs without adequate recognition, protection or benefit sharing for the knowledge holders. This paper explores how IK and TK are used in early-stage drug discovery and reflects on the ethical, scientific and regulatory implications of their application.
Methods. We developed two hypothetical case vignettes to illustrate common research scenarios involving the use of IK and TK: one based on non-codified, orally transmitted knowledge shared directly by an Indigenous community; and the other based on codified historical medicinal knowledge sourced from historical botanical texts, where provenance may be unclear or obscured. These vignettes were developed using Both-Ways Collaborative Yarning and reflexive thematic analysis, informed by existing literature and expert validation.
Results. The vignettes highlight the strengths and limitations of current research models, particularly regarding knowledge provenance, methodological validity, community participation and benefit sharing. The non-codified case demonstrated the importance of community-led processes and contextualised preparation methods, whereas the codified case raised questions around the ethical use of archived knowledge with uncertain origins, including issues of provenance, accountability and potential misappropriation. Both cases demonstrated the efficiency and value of IK and TK in narrowing down viable drug candidates compared to conventional random screening methods.
Conclusion. The findings underscore the need for more inclusive and culturally safe R&D frameworks that centre Indigenous sovereignty, implement free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), integrate holistic approaches to knowledge and include culturally aligned R&D methods. By adopting a two-ways knowing approach, researchers and institutions can more ethically and effectively partner with Indigenous people and communities to advance drug discovery while respecting the integrity of their knowledge systems.
Details
- Title
- Using Indigenous and traditional medicine knowledge in research and development for drug discovery: hypothetical case vignettes
- Creators
- Alana Gall - Southern Cross UniversityAndrew G. Goodman - Australian e-Health Research CentreKatherine E. S. Locock - Australian Regenerative Medicine InstituteBrett Rowling - Southern Cross UniversityAndrea Bugarcic - Southern Cross UniversityManu Caddie - University of WaikatoMaui Hudson - University of WaikatoChris Bourke - Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationMike Stephens - National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (Canberra City, ACT)Elder Theresa Sainty - University of TasmaniaZyana Gall - Southern Cross UniversityPatricia Adjei - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Australian journal of chemistry, Vol.79(5), pp.1-11
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Grant note
- This project was funded by an Indigenous Research Grant from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Dr Alana Gall was supported by a National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.
- Identifiers
- 991013378347802368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article