Scientific studies show that Kambo is made up of many peptides that are beneficial to the human body. Some of these peptides traverse the blood-brain barrier and stimulate the endocrine glands of the brain, resulting in an immune effect and a deep cleansing of the body.

Examples of naturally occurring peptides in the human body include oxytocin, endorphin and insulin. Such amino acids are often referred to as the building blocks of all human life.

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Kambo has antibiotic properties and strengthens the immune system, while physically destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Kambo is traditionally known to be anti-inflammatory, to relieve joint pain, to heal eyesight, and to ease pain.

What are peptides and how do they work?

Peptides are chains of amino acids, much like proteins. The main difference between the two is the length of those chains: peptides are short chains of amino acids and proteins are long chains of amino acids.

Peptides bind to receptor sites on the outer surface of biological cells, and this binding serves a variety of functions in the body and brain. Often they act as a form of message or signal, causing the cell to change what it’s doing. For example to manufacture and release more of a particular hormone or neurotransmitter, or the opposite. In this way, they can influence a variety of biological processes, ranging from moods and thought patterns in the brain to muscle contractions and digestion in the body.

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So, what's in it?

Kambo contains a number of active compounds (which are all peptides):

Phyllomedusin - Phyllomedusin is a peptide of the Tachykinin family. It has a powerful effect on the intestine, bowels, salivary glands and tear ducts and stimulates a deep cleansing of the whole digestive system. It causes a contraction of the smooth muscle in the gut and plays a role in the emetic effect of Kambo application - the vomiting and purging that occurs during a Kambo ceremony.

Phyllomedusin works together with Phyllokinin, which is discussed below, to cause the contraction and relaxation of muscles associated with these gut contractions. Phyllomedusin is also a potent vasodilator and contributes to the lowering of blood pressure.

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Phyllokinin - Phyllokinin is a peptide of the Bradykinin family. Similar to Phyllomedusin it also acts as a potent vasodilator and causes contraction of the smooth muscle of the gut. Phyllokinin also contributes to a reduction in blood pressure and increases vascular permeability.

There is a popular theory that Phyllokinin and Phyllomedusin may increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, enhancing the ability of the other Kambo peptides to quickly enter the brain, however, there has been no scientific research to back up this claim.

Phyllocarulein and Sauvagine - Both Phyllocarulein and Sauvagine are potent stimulators of gastric and pancreatic secretions which contribute to the early symptoms of nausea and vomiting present during a Kambo process. Both cause a drop in blood pressure accompanied by tachycardia (increased heart rate) and stimulate the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, helping to increase sensory perception and increase physical endurance.

They also possess a great analgesic power, contributing to the increase of physical strength, the capacity to confront physical pain, stress, disease and diminish the symptoms of fatigue. Interestingly, Phyllocaerulein is present in the highest concentration of all the peptides and plays a part in modulating satiety, contributes to digestive improvement, modifies sedation and affects thermoregulation, potentially leading to profuse sweating during the experience.

Sauvagine functions like a hormone, interacting with the pituitary-adrenal axis and corticotropin-releasing receptors, which are involved in cortisol, stress, anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors. It also holds properties that affect smooth muscle contraction of the colon and urinary bladder, alongside tachycardia and a reduction in blood pressure.

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Adenoregulin aka Dermaseptin B2 - Dermaseptins including Adenoregulin form part of a family of a broad spectrum of antimicrobial peptides involved in the defense of the frogs’ bare skin against microbial invasion. In laboratory settings, it has been proven that Adenoregulin has both the ability to inhibit different forms of cancer and to restore healthily blood vessel growth. Despite the potent anti-cancer and antibacterial action of this peptide, it appears to be non-toxic to healthy human and animal cells.

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Deltorphin - helps to relieve pain and instils a sense of calm through its action on opioid receptors. Can have a positive influence on the addictive conditions of those with opiate dependence.

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Dermorphin - also acts on opioid receptors, in concert with Deltorphins, reducing the experience of pain and moderating mood. Again, acts similarly to Deltorphin in helping to alleviate some of the symptoms and issues associated with opiate dependence.

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Litorin, Phyllolitorin, Rohdei-Litorin, “Leu”-phyllolitorin - 4 neuropeptides that stimulate gastric acid and pancreatic secretion and smooth muscle contraction.

In a paper by Caitlin Thompson and Martin L Williams, the following statement was made regarding Litorin: (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23978473221085746)

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"Litorin has been observed in rats to decrease body temperature by 0.9 °C in the short term. It is possible that Phyllolitorins are responsible for the shivering commonly observed during the latter stages of the Kambô experience, as well as appetite suppression."

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Antimicrobial and antiviral effects

Many of the peptides found in Kambo have antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Indeed, it is thought that one of the primary roles of the frog’s secretions is to act as a defensive shield for the frog’s skin against the invasion of various parasitic fungi and other microbes that would otherwise have a relatively easy time getting through and infecting the frog.

In more recent studies, many of these same peptides have been examined for use in treating otherwise problematic and drug-resistant bacteria and viruses that can play havoc with patients that have weakened immune systems - either as a result of their general health, or, particularly those with immunodeficiency disorders.