Peptides found in Kambo
Vittorio Erspamer, an Italian scientist from Sapienza University of Rome, conducted the initial laboratory analysis of Kambo. Erspamer determined that Kambo possesses an extraordinary combination of chemicals with exceptional medical potential, surpassing any other amphibian. His research significantly drew attention to the field of peptides, which has subsequently become of great importance in the medical domain.
Peptides are important to human physiology, biology and psychology. Many of our hormones are peptides, such as oxytocin, insulin, serotonin and norepinephrine. They carry signals between the glands and cells to control our bodily functions such as sleep and blood sugar regulation.
Kambo contains many bioactive peptides - when it enters our body, the cell receptors open and allow it to enter the cells. When foreign substances enter the body, the cell does not always unlock automatically but has to be broken into by the unknown substance. It is believed that as a natural substance that the body recognizes, the body unlocks to Kambo at a cellular level with no stress to the cells.
Phyllocaerulein
A neuropeptide which produces strong smooth muscle contraction (heart, gut and vascular) reduces blood pressure, modifies satiety, sedation and thermoregulation. Through this peptides’ powerful analgesic properties, it diminishes pain and fatigue while increasing physical strength and resilience. It is believed that this is the peptide that is largely responsible for nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating and abdominal discomfort when Kambo is applied to the skin.
This peptide stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland while causing gall bladder contractions and secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices. Phyllocaerulein and Phyllokinin contribute to hypotensive effects of Kambo and contributes to the drop in blood pressure, causing temporary fainting in some people.
This family of peptides also contributes to the reduction of nociception, which is the sensory nervous system’s response to harmful stimuli. Potentially, this could give the nervous system a chance to reboot without the constant bombardment of stressful stimuli.
Phyllokinin
This peptide helps lower blood pressure for an extended period. It widens the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them. It is speculated that this peptide may increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which enhances the movement of specialized cells that protect the brain - however, this has not yet been proven by research. It also affects the bradykinin system, which contributes to the relaxation of smooth muscle.
Phyllomedusin
A neuropeptide which strongly affects the salivary glands, tear ducts, intestines, and bowels. It is a powerful vasodilator (widens the blood vessels by relaxing the smooth muscle in the walls of the blood vessels), which stimulates gastric secretions and contributes to the purging of toxins when Kambo is applied. The fast dilation of the blood vessels causes the ‘rushing’ or ‘pounding’ sensation that is often felt during Kambo. Phyllomedusin regulates functions of dopamine, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. As a potent vasodilator, it is speculated that this peptide increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.
Phyllolitorin (Leu8), Rohdei-Litorin
Neuropeptides that are active in the central and peripheral nervous system. It stimulates gastric acid secretions and smooth muscle contraction.
Tryptophyllins
This peptide possesses antimicrobial properties that have been shown to hinder the growth of certain organisms such as Candida Albicans (a type of yeast), Staphylococcus aureus (a common bacterium), and E. coli (a bacteria associated with gastrointestinal issues). Potential in cardiovascular, inflammatory, and anti-cancer therapy.
Sauvagine
This peptide 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. Sauvagine also leads to a significant increase in heart rate, known as tachycardia.
Dermorphin
A neuropeptide that can activate specific Opioid receptors in our body and generate opiate-like effects. This neuropeptide is incredibly potent, up to 40 times stronger than morphine.
Deltorphin
This is a heptapeptide which has a higher affinity and selectivity for delta opioid binding sites than any other natural compound known. Two deltorphins have been discovered in the secretion of the Phyllomedusa Bicolor.
Dermaseptin and Adenoregulin (Dermaseptin B2)
Antimicrobial peptides that work against bacteria, yeast, fungi and protozoa. Studies have explored dermaseptin’s ability to destroy pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella, gonorrhea, herpes viruses, HIV, candida albicans, and malaria-causing protozoans. Adenoregulin (also named Dermaseptin B2) is a 33 amino acid peptide that interacts with the adenosine receptor, a fundamental component in all human cell fuel and has shown effectiveness in killing cancer cells.
Below is a summary of the peptides that have been discovered in Kambo
