Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold deep knowledge of plants that reflects millennia of observation, learning, adaptation, and care for Country. These knowledge systems not only identify potential foods and medicines but also convey the correct methods of use that support human tolerance and maintain ecological balance. While contemporary regulatory systems such as those of FSANZ and the TGA acknowledge the concept of “history of use”, Indigenous knowledge is rarely recognised on its own terms. It is often filtered through Western scientific expectations of documented evidence, which limits how oral and experiential knowledges can inform safety assessment.

This presentation considers how Aboriginal knowledge systems might guide, rather than simply contribute to, modern approaches for evaluating the safety of traditionally used plant foods and medicines. It explores the development of a culturally grounded framework that privileges and acknowledges the long history of use and perspectives held by Traditional Custodians, while using less-intensive laboratory-based tools such as cell assays and chemical profiling to support consumer safety and reduce the need for animal testing.

Central to this work is the role of cultural authority in determining how knowledge is recognised, shared, and applied. Engaging respectfully with and prioritising the cultural contexts in which history of use is held ensures that any translation of plant knowledge into contemporary applications proceeds in ways that uphold Indigenous self-determination, cultural integrity, and community benefit. It also provides a respectful opportunity to engage with knowledge holders who may choose to share insights that would otherwise remain beyond the reach of laboratory discovery.

By reimagining the interface between Indigenous and scientific worldviews, this work aims to advance a more ethical, inclusive, and culturally responsive approach to safety evaluation that honours heritage while enabling culturally, ethically, and environmentally sustainable innovation for both human and planetary health.