Science of Kambo


Scientific research on the secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor started in the 1980’s. Nominee of the Nobel Prize, scientist Vittorio Erspamer of the University of Rome wrote that the secretion contains a ‘fantastic chemical cocktail with potential medical applications, unequaled by any other amphibian’.  Kambo contains a unique and complex mix of bioactive peptides which trigger chemical reactions in the human body. Some of these peptides have been found to contribute heightened sensory perception, increased stamina, increased physical strength and in general, enhance the capacity to manage pain and stressful situations.  The properties of the peptides found in Kambo cover a wide range of potential medical uses: treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, depression, migraines, blood circulation problems, vascular insufficiency, organ diseases, skin and eyes issues, fertility problems, AIDS, hepatitis and cancer.


Other medicinal properties of this secretion are its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral effects and ability to heal infections. Due to the presence of certain peptides, Kambo is one of the strongest natural antibiotics and anesthetics found in the world and one of the strongest, natural ways to empower our immune system. Kambo treatments have short and long term effects. Short term, some of the effects are a heightened state of alertness, good mood, enhanced resistance to tiredness, hunger and thirst, the capacity to easily concentrate and focus, and a still mind which can last for several days or weeks. Long term, Kambo empowers the immune system, overcomes fatigue and improves one’s state of health. If you would like to research the peptide families found in Kambo, they are as follows:

The Dermaseptin Superfamily: A Gene-Based Combinatorial Library of Antimicrobial Peptides

Anuran Antimicrobial Peptides:  An Alternative for the Development of Nanotechnological Based Therapies for Multi-Drug-Resistant Infections

Deltorphins: A Family of Naturally Occurring Peptides with High Affinity and Selectivity for Opioid Binding Sites

Dermorphin-Related Peptides from the Skin of Phyllomedusa Bicolor

Antitumor and Angiostatic Activites of the Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin B2

Frog Secretions and Hunting Magic in the Upper Amazon:Identification of a Peptide that Interacts with an Adenosine Receptor

Kambo: Scientific Research and Healing Treatments

Kambo, The Spirit of the Shaman

Natural Products as a Foundation for Drug Discovery

Biological Effects of the Phyllomedusa Bicolor Secretion

Antimicrobial Peptides from Phyllomedusa Frogs: from Biomolecular Diversity to Potential Nanotechnologic Medical Applications