Kambo 

The Italian pharmacologist and Nobel prize nominated chemist Vittorio Erspamer was the first person to analyze kambo in a laboratory. He is known for his identification and pharmacological study of over sixty chemical compounds, including octopamine and serotonin. He reported that kambo secretion contained “a fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequalled by any other amphibian”. The “fantastic chemical cocktail” he referred to was peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acid monomers linked by peptide bonds. Peptides send signals to your cells to function properly. Kambo contains bioactive, meaning they have the ability to bind to cell receptors in humans without difficulty and perform specific, beneficial functions within the body. The benefits of these peptides are far-reaching. In fact, several of them have been isolated and synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry. Some of the peptides found in Kambo include: Phyllomedusin Produces contractions at the smooth muscle level and increases secretions of the entire gastrointestinal tract such as the salivary glands, stomach, small and large intestine, pancreas and gallbladder. These are the main parts responsible for the deep purge produced by the administration of Kambo. Phyllokinin & Phyllomedusins Both are potent vasodilators, increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier both for their own access as well as for that of other active peptides. Within this family are the medusins, which also have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Caeruleins and Sauvagines These are peptides with chains of 40 amino acids with myotropic properties on the smooth muscles, producing a contraction of the colon and urinary bladder. They produce a drop in blood pressure accompanied by tachycaridia. They stimulate the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland, contributing to greater sensory perception and increased resistance. Both peptides 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. In the medical field, this family of peptides contributes to improved digestion, and aids against pain in renal colic, pain due to peripheral vascular insufficiency and tumor pain. Dermorphin & Deltorphin 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. Adenoregulins Discovered in the 90’s by John Daly’s team at the National Institute of Health in the USA. Adenoregulin works on the human body through all human cellular fuel. These receptors may offer a target for the treatment of depression, stroke and cognitive loss diseases, such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Antimicrobial Peptides Dermaseptins Has powerful antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeast, fungi, protozoa, and enveloped viruses that often cause severe opportunistic infections, particularly those accompanying use of immunosuppressive agents. Several years of research carried out at the University of Paris have shown that peptides Dermaseptin B2 and B3 are effective in killing certain types of cancer cells. Research at Queen's University in Belfast recently won a prestigious award for his groundbreaking work with cancer and Kambo. Its action mechanism is produced by inhibiting the angiogenesis of tumor cells, with selective cytotoxicity for these cells. Bradykinins Bradykinins are a group of peptides that play a role in several physiological processes, particularly in the cardiovascular and inflammatory systems. They regulate blood pressure, inflammation and pain. Particularly, they cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased blood flow. They enhance permeability of blood vessels, allowing fluid and proteins to move from the bloodstream to the surrounding tissues. Bradykinins are also involved in the sensation of pain by sensitizing nerve endings, and contribute to the inflammatory response by promoting the release of inflammatory regulators. Bombesins Bombesins are peptides that have various physiological effects in the body. Bombesin is a neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain. It plays a role in the regulation of various physiological processes, including the release of hormones. Bombesin has been found to influence gastrointestinal functions, including the release of gastric acid and pancreatic enzymes; it can modulate the digestive processes in the stomach and pancreas. Some studies suggest that bombesin may be involved in the regulation of appetite and food intake. It has been explored for its potential role in controlling obesity and related metabolic disorders. Additionally, bombesin analogs have been investigated for their potential use in cancer therapy. These analogs may be used in targeted therapies to deliver anticancer agents directly to tumor cells expressing bombesin receptors. Ceruleans Ceruleans stimulate gastric, bile, and pancreatic secretions. They can be used in the paralytic ileus (a medical condition characterized by a lack of movement of the muscles in the GI tract, which leads to a disruption in the normal flow of contents through the digestive system). Paralytic ileus can occur in any part of the GI tract, including the small intestine and the colon. Ceruleans is also a diagnostic medium in pancreatic dysfunction. Tryptophilins This peptide has been found to be highly potent against the yeast candida albicans, and is being researched for cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy.