Below are the main families of peptides that have been identified in Kambo:
Phyllomedusin (Tachykinins Family) – A neuropeptide with powerful vasodialator effects. Produces contraction at the smooth muscle level, and increase secretions of the entire gastrointestinal tract (such as the salivary glands, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas and gallbladder). These are the main peptides responsible for the deep purge produced when receiving Kambo.
Phyllokinin (Bradykinins Family) – Potent vasodilator. Important peptide of scientific study as they are hypotensive, and increase vascular permeability (due to contraction of the non-vascular smooth muscle). Increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier is a min focus of scientific study. Phyllokinin is also related to the mechanism of inflammatory pain, and also possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Phylloaerulein (Caeruleins Family)– Neuropeptides with chains of 40 amino acids which produce strong contractions of the smooth muscle tissue. They contribute to a drop in blood pressure, modifying satiety, and the body’s thermoregulation. They stimulate the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, contributing to greater sensory perception. These peptides also possess great analgesic (pain relieving) properties. It is these peptides that are largely responsible for the sensations of nausea, vomiting, palpations, and sweating during a Kambo treatment.
Dermorphin (Sauvagine Family) – These heptapeptides produce a powerful opiate-like activity on mu-type opioid receptors, has a potent analgesic effect (pain relief) that is 30-40 times more potent than Morphine. Dermorphin may also have effects on pulmonary ventilation and pituitary hormone release.
Deltorphin (Deltorphin Family) – These are small peptides composed of 7 amino acids. They are selective agonists of the opiate delta receptors, 4000 times more potent than morphine and 40 times more than the endogenous endorphins.
Dermaseptin & Adenoregulin (B2) (Dermaseptin Family) – These antimicrobial peptides are involved in the defense of the frog’s bare skin against microbial invasion. They also show lethal effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and protozoa. Several years of research carried out at the University of Paris have shown that peptides Dermaseptin and Dermaseptin B2 are effective in killing certain types of cancer cells. Researchers at Queens University (Belfast) won a prestigious award for their ground-breaking work with cancer and Kambo. Dermaseptin B2 operates in the body through the adenosine receptors (a fundamental component throughout all human cellular fuel). These receptors may offer a target for the treatment of depression, stroke; and cognitive loss diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Phyllolitorin / Rohdei-Litorin (Bombesins Family) – These are neuropeptides that are active in the central and peripheral nervous system. They stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid by acting on the G cells of the stomach. They also increase pancreatic secretion, and smooth muscle contractibility.
Tryptophilins – Neuropeptides consisting of 4 to 14 amino acids, which are opening up new perspectives on how the human brain works. Also found to be highly potent against yeast Candida Albicans.
