Volume VI Special Issue VI September 2026

Name of Author : Senyavel.P, Dr.Priyadarsini.B

Title of the paper : To Look Back in Gratitude: Indigenous Medical Knowledge and its Contribution to Modern Medicine

Abstract: Indigenous medical knowledge has significantly influenced modern healthcare by offering important insights into the healing properties of natural resources. Traditional healing systems, developed over centuries of observation and practice, have led to the discovery of many life saving medicines. These include quinine for malaria, artemisinin for drug-resistant malaria, paclitaxel for cancer treatment, and muscle relaxants derived from curare used in surgery. Additionally, medicinal plants like turmeric, neem,ginger, and willow bark have contributed to the creation of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pain relieving therapies. Despite these contributions, Indigenous knowledge has often been overlooked or exploited without proper recognition or fair benefit sharing. This paper explores the historical and modern contributions of Indigenous medical practices to allopathic medicine while addressing the ethical issues related to biopiracy and intellectual property rights. It stresses that respectful collaboration between Indigenous communities and biomedical researchers is vital for encouraging medical innovation, preserving traditional knowledge, and supporting fair global healthcare.

Keywords : Indigenous knowledge, Western medicine, bioprospecting, biopiracy, eqitable sharing

DOI :

Page Number : 246-248