Kambo Science

Kambo background - Kambo, the traditional medicine derived from the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog, has been the subject of scientific interest due to its potential health benefits. Research on Kambo's bioactive compounds has revealed a rich mixture of peptides with diverse properties, some of which show promising antimicrobial and analgesic effects. Additionally, studies have explored Kambo's impact on the immune system, potentially enhancing its role in stimulating the body's natural defenses. While more research is needed to fully understand Kambo's mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications, the scientific community recognizes its significance as a source of valuable bioactive compounds worth exploring for medical and pharmaceutical purposes,

Kambo's discovery - In the 1980s, two times Nobel peace prize nominee Vittorio Erspamer (responsible for discovering the neurotransmitter Serotonin) was the first to study the peptides found in Kambo and said it was a "fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequalled by any other amphibian".

As a result, the pharmaceutical industry has been attempting to synthysize the peptides, however it seems that the naturally occurring peptides found in Kambo outperform the synthetic versions. There are currently 70 patents lodged for these peptides.

Kambo peptides - A Peptide is a small chain of amino acids, usually between 5-20 long. Peptides play an important role in human physiology & biology. Peptide hormones play a prominent role in controlling energy homeostasis and metabolism. They have been implicated in controlling appetite, the function of the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, energy expenditure, and reproduction.

It has been speculated that Kambô contains over 200 bioactive peptides, although the peptides currently studied are in their 10's. These molecules are naturally present in the human body. The peptides that have been currently identified and studied include: phyllocaerulein, phyllomedusin, phyllokinin, sauvagine, dermaseptins, adenoregulin, deltorphin, and dermorphin.

Phyllocaerulein, which stimulates gut flow, stomach acid secretion, and lowers blood pressure.
Phyllomedusin (tachykinin) and phyllokinin (bradykinin) contract the gut and lower blood pressure (by dilating blood vessels). Phyllomedusin can also affect consciousness and behaviour.
Sauvagine stimulates the adrenal glands and stimulate dopamine release. It causes the smooth muscles to contract.
DermaseptinB2 fights microbes and may combat cancer.
Adenoregulin affects the activity of important neurotransmitters and compounds (adenosine, adrenaline, andserotonin).
Deltorphins (delta-opioid receptor activator) and dermorphin (mu-opioid receptor activator) act as opioids which relieve pain and relax muscles.

Despite the interest in these peptides there are currently no human studies using Kambo. However due to the growing interest in Kambo's healing potential it is expected that there will be some large peer reviews studies in the near future. This being said you do not have to look very far to find success stories and testimonials detailing a wide range of positive effects of Kambo

Although Kambo has been used for thousands of years by tribal cultures it seems in the West we are only just beginning to scratch the surface of the potential that this magical compound can offer.

Here is a link to the IAKP website showing some of the current research.