When Nature Bites Back: Crocodile Attack Sparks 30+ Year Project To Create Pain Relief Gel

In 1986, John Watson used Mudjala mangrove bark for pain relief after a crocodile attack. His practice caught the interest of Professor Ron Quinn from Griffith University, leading to a collaboration between the Nyikina Mangala people and the university. Their research, merging Traditional Knowledge with Western science, identified pain-relieving compounds in the bark.

In 1986, John Watson’s finger was bitten off by a crocodile. A Nyikina Mangala man from the Jarlmadangah Burru Aboriginal Community of the Kimberley, John turned to the bark of the Mudjala mangrove tree seeking pain relief. He chewed on a strip of bark and applied it as a dressing to his wound.

Scientific Collaboration

When Professor Ron Quinn AM from Griffith University heard of John’s ordeal, and his use of the Mudjala bark, he was intrigued.

An enduring partnership eventuated between the Nyikina Mangala people and Griffith University under the leadership of John and Professor Quinn, seeking to identify what active compounds could be present in the bark.

Nyikina Mangala man John Watson and Professor Ronald Quinn. Credit: Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering

Breakthrough Discovery

Combining thousands of years of Traditional Knowledge with Western science has revealed a novel, natural remedy for the treatment of severe pain.

As a result, John and Professor Quinn have been named as the inaugural recipients of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering’s Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award.

The bark contains two classes of compound: one is effective for inflammatory pain and the other mitigates sciatic nerve injury.

Potential Applications

The resulting product – a possible topical gel – will be based on the complex mixtures present within the bark paste. John and Ron hope that this gel could be supplied to athletes at the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and heralds widespread application for Traditional Knowledge, while maintaining Aboriginal ownership.

Weaving Traditional Knowledge with Western science for a new approach to pain relief, tapping into green energy using recycling byproducts, and a revolutionary new approach to sustainability for the beef and lamb industry, are all being celebrated at the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering’s annual national Awards tonight.

Recognition

ATSE’s winning engineers and technologists were recognized for their groundbreaking work on Australia’s toughest issues, spanning climate change, mining, plastic waste, battery tech, and food security among others, during a ceremony at the National Arboretum in Canberra on October 26.

ATSE President, Dr. Katherine Woodthorpe AO FTSE, said the winners’ innovation, drive, and impact were exemplars for the game-changing application of Australian research.

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