Gumbi Gumbi Project – Bridging Knowledge Systems for Better Health

About the Research Project

Pittosporum angustifolium, commonly known as Gumbi Gumbi, has been used for generations by First Nations communities as a powerful traditional medicine. A collaborative research program led by Central Queensland University’s Bioactive and Functional Foods Research Group and Ghungalu Elder Uncle Steve Kemp is now validating this ancient knowledge through modern science.

Funded through the BHP Chair in Indigenous Engagement since 2021, this project has revealed potent antioxidant activity and promising cytotoxic effects against cancer cells in Gumbi Gumbi leaves and fruit. Early findings, reported in 2024, provide a scientific foundation for its long-recognised therapeutic potential and pave the way for future clinical studies.

“These findings are going to benefit everyone: people who could use these treatments, and the community at Woorabinda, knowing this knowledge comes from our People.” – Uncle Steve Kemp

Impact

The project integrates First Nations-led knowledge with cutting-edge food and health science, exploring:

  • Phytochemical and antioxidant profiling of leaves and fruit
  • Impacts of harvest time and drying methods on potency
  • Sugar content and glycaemic response for natural blood sugar control
  • Pilot clinical trial pathways for cancer-related applications

Gumbi Gumbi trees are now cultivated at the Central Queensland Innovation and Research Precinct, supporting a growing research and commercialisation pipeline that honours cultural governance.

This project exemplifies the Wabu Cluster’s vision: empowering Indigenous knowledge holders, building ethical research partnerships, and delivering real-world health and economic benefits.

Partners

  • BHP Mitsubishi Alliance
  • Ghungalu people

Mani, J., Johnson, J., Hosking, H., Schmidt, L., Batley, R., du Preez, R., Broszczak, D., Walsh, K., Neilsen, P., & Naiker, M. (2024). Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of Pittosporum angustifolium and Terminalia ferdinandiana with Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy Exploratory Study. Plants, 13(6), 807. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13060807

Gumbi Gumbi Project Images

Mani Naiker and Uncle Steve Kemp sitting together smiling
Mani Naiker and Uncle Steven
Ryan du Preez, Mani Naiker, Parbat Raj Thani plant a Gumbi Gumbi tree
Ryan du Preez, Mani Naiker and Parbat Raj Thani plant a Gumbi Gumbi tree
Uncle Steve Kemp (centre) with Uncle Milton Lawton and Melanie Kemp, of Yarbun Creations
Uncle Steve Kemp (centre) with Uncle Milton Lawton and Melanie Kemp, of Yarbun Creations
Kelvin from Rockhampton Regional Council with Mani Naiker standing in front of tree
Kelvin from Rockhampton Regional Council with Mani Naiker
Uncle Steve Kemp, Murray Kemp, and Mani Naiker holding tree specimen
Uncle Steve Kemp, Murray Kemp, and Mani Naiker.
Native food samples displayed in small dishes
Food applications using native resources

Project Lead

Sustainable Development Goals

At CQUniversity we are committed to embedding sustainable practice in our operations, interactions and relationships, underpinned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability is one of our strategic pillars within our Strategic Plan 2019-2023.

  • 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing
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