What is Kambo?
Rooted in tradition and science, explore Kambo’s origins, bioactive peptides, and the latest research on its healing properties.
Origins of Kambo
Kambo is an ancestral medicine used by many indigenous tribes, including the Kaxinawá, Matses, and Yawanawá. Known by various names like Sapo, Kambo, and Vacina da Floresta, “vaccine of the forest”, its purpose is consistent: cleansing the body, enhancing mental clarity, and treating various ailments.
Research into Kambo by indigenous tribes started in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until anthropologist Peter Gorman shared his personal experience in the 1980s article, "Making Magic," that Western scientists took notice. Gorman sent Phyllomedusa bicolor samples to universities, kick-starting the first analysis of the frog’s biochemistry.
One of those samples landed in the hands of Vittorio Erspamer, a Nobel Prize nominee from the University of Rome, famous for discovering serotonin. In 1986, Erspamer called Kambo a "fantastic chemical cocktail" of peptides with incredible healing powers, including antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This research eventually led to the patenting of its bioactive peptides.
Today, there are over 70 Kambo-related peptide patents.
“Among hunters, it was used to both sharpen the senses and as a way to increase stamina during long hunts, when carrying food and water was difficult. In large doses it could make a Matsés hunter invisible to poor-sighted but acute-smelling jungle animals by temporarily eliminating the human odor. As a medicine, sapo (kambo) also had multiple uses, serving as a tonic to cleanse and strengthen the body and as a toxin-purge for those with the grippe, or cold"
-Peter Gorman, 'Sapo in my Soul'
Kambo Peptides
Kambo peptides offer a range of health benefits for pain relief, infections, cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, and heart health. Ongoing studies continue to uncover Kambo’s potential benefits for humans.
Powerful Natural Pain Relief
A potent natural painkiller that interacts with delta-opioid receptors to ease pain, regulate mood.
30–40 times stronger than morphine, providing natural pain relief without dependence. Dermorphin has been illegally used in horse racing to mask pain in horses.
A natural painkiller that reduces pain and stress by releasing hormones that modulate pain perception, regulate body temperature, and support digestion. It also lowers blood pressure and aids in digestion.
Healing and Disease Defense
Exhibits potent antimicrobial properties in treating cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancers.
Targets bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and cancer cells, with promising potential for neurological repair in depression, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s treatments.
Antimicrobial peptides that destroy bacteria, viruses, yeast, and fungi. Dermaseptin B2/B3 are effective in stopping tumor growth and killing cancer cells, HIV, candida, chlamydia, HPV, and malaria.
Circulation and Digestive Health
Act as a vasodilator, lowering blood pressure, and reducing inflammation-related pain in conditions like arthritis.
Phyllolitorin/Bombesins/Caeruleins
Support digestion by regulating gut function, stimulating enzyme production, enhancing nutrient absorption, promoting satiety, and improving gastrointestinal health.
A peptide that interacts with the body's stress response system, regulating mood and resilience against anxiety and fatigue. It stimulates the adrenal cortex, increases heart rate, and enhances physical and mental endurance.
*Click on the peptide names to access related research articles.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Science
The latest research on Kambo’s powerful peptides.
Dermaseptin: Promising Cancer Treatment
Peptide that reduces prostate cancer growth and limits tumor blood vessel formation.
Frog Peptides Block HIV In Lab Study
Frog skin compounds can block HIV infection, offering potential for HIV-preventive treatments.
Medusins: Antibiotics from Frog Peptides
Medusin peptides combat drug-resistant bacteria and yeast without harming human cells.
Frog Peptides Driving Medical Innovation
Targeting drug-resistant infections, peptides offer antimicrobial and neurological benefits.