The Science

This peptide Initiates contractions at the smooth muscle level that promotes secretion in the GI tract: including salivary glands, stomach, small/large intestine, pancreas, and gall bladder (this action, along with the response from the area postrema - plays a part in deep purgative effects of Kambo). The area postrema is a region of the brain located in the medulla oblongata that acts as the body’s main chemoreceptor trigger zone.

Belongs to the Tachykinin family - also function as neuropeptides.

Tachykinins influence muscle contraction and stimulate secretions in the GI tract (saliva, bile, digestive enzymes) - these secretions intensify with Kambo.

• Saliva: breakdown of food and accelerates digestion with enzymes.

• Stomach: Phyllomedusin stimulates production of gastric juices promoting digestion of proteins. 

• Small/Large intestine: Phyllomedusin promotes absorption of nutrients and accelerates bowel movements.

• Pancreas: Phyllomedusin triggers the pancreas to release digestive enzymes into the small intestine that breakdown carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

• Gallbladder: Phyllomedusin encourages release of bile, emulsifying fats; breaking them down enough to be digested efficiently and absorbed by the small intestine.

Deep Purgative effects of Phyllomedusin: The indigenous believe that the “deep purge” associated with Kambo (most accentuated by Phyllomedusin) helps rid the body of “Panema” the western ideological equivalent of “bad luck” or “negative energies”. 

Benefits those with GI conditions such as gastroparesis or chronic constipation: may stimulate and promote regular bowel movements - enhancing digestive enzyme secretions for those with pancreatic conditions or digestive disorders.

Both of these pepetides are vasodilators: They dilate the blood vessels causing a drop in blood pressure, allowing blood to flow unconstrained with the effect of promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues and organs of the human body. They could also help potentially treat hypertension.

These peptides increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing for the ease of passage for other peptides to access the brain and promote the desired positive neurological effects that Kambo is known for. Penetration of this barrier is typically difficult for some pharmacological medications that wield promise in treating neurological conditions and disorders. This action on the part of these peptides therefore may be seen as promising in the development of neurological treatments. Perhaps holding promise in protecting the brain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing.

Medusins contain antimicrobial and antifungal properties: as antibiotic resistance and “superbugs” are more prevalent in our society, the importance of these particular peptides stand out as alternative natural immune-defense promoters. 

Containing chains of 40 amino acids, these peptides are known for their myotropic properties, impacts on the cardiovascular system, stimulation of glands, analgesic (pain-relieving) impact, increased strength, and as in other aforementioned peptides, the promise they hold in current and future medical interventions. 

Myotropic Properties: these peptides cause contractions on the muscles surrounding our organs, most particularly, those surrounding the colon and urinary bladder. Increased stimulation of both the colon and urinary bladder ensure better digestion and more complete elimination of waste products from the body. Increased urinary elimination reduces risk for urinary infections.

Cardiovascular Impact: This peptide combination induces a fast drop in blood pressure that is met by tachycardia (increase in heart rate). This homeostatic reaction on the part of the body may assist those afflicted with hypertension, although more prospective research is required to confirm this action.

Stimulation of Glands: Caeruleins and sauvagines also positively impact the endocrine system, specifically the adrenal cortex and the pituitary gland (aka “master gland” coined for its influence in triggering the action of other endocrine glands). The adrenal cortex responds to these peptides to produce hormones that alleviate stress and related systemic dysregulations. It also promotes the balance of metabolism and blood pressure.

Another byproduct from pituitary gland stimulation is possible sensory perception and resistance, resulting in sharpened senses, quicker reflexes, and resilience in the face of physical exertion. 

Analgesic Powers and Increased Strength: Analgesia (pain relief) is the primary action of these peptides along with a marked increase in physical strength. Improvements in stress management, positive shifts in personal attitudes in stress, and disease management are also frequently reported outcomes.

Current and Future Medical Interventions: Improved digestion and analgesia are considerable properties when it comes to caeruleins and sauvagines. As we age, pain and ease of digestion rise to the pinnacle of the healing priority list for many of us. Ailments such as renal colic, vascular insufficiency, and tumor-related pain may be remedied by coming medical advancements using these remarkable peptides.

These “petite” peptides consist of seven amino acids and are selective agonists of opiate delta receptors, whose analgesic properties are comparable to natural and generic pain relievers well known in the West. 

Agonists are defined as substances that initiate a physiological response when they interact with a neurological receptor site. 

The effects of dermorphin are more potent than morphine: the potency of deltorphin exceeds the effects of our body’s natural pain relievers (endogenous endorphins) by a factor of 40.

The analgesic properties of dermorphin and deltorphin hold much promise in prospective application in chronic pain management and recovery from surgical procedures.

The pleasure experienced from the activation of opiate receptors has potential in treating mood disorders.  

Opioids are causing a problem in epidemic proportions due to their high addiction potential and negative side effects. Development of pain treatment methods using these peptides could revolutionize how we manage our pain without the nuances and life threatening altercation of devastating side effects.

Adenoregulins were discovered in the 1990s by John Daly and his team at the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH).

Adenoregulins are peptides that act upon the adenosine receptors; crucial components of cellular infrastructure that regulate energy disbursement among the body’s cells. 

Significance in Battling Depression: As we’ve learned over recent decades, the source of depression cannot simply be deduced to an emotional state-of-mind. It is also influenced by chemical imbalances, neural connections, and cellular function. Adenoregulins and their action on the adenosine receptors may help balance chemicals produced in the brain that create symptoms of depression.

Addressing Cognitive Decline: Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease have received a lot of attention in scientific research during recent years. Gradual and acute loss of memory, motor skills, and quality of life related to the cognitive decline these diseases cause have resulted in detrimental outcomes to patients and their families desperate for a cure. Adenoregulins and their influence on the adenosine receptors may have a place in the very near future in slowing or maybe even reversing cognitive decline.

Positive Indirect Effects: Adenoregulins have the potential to regulate multiple body systems on the cellular level. Benefits may include: 

• Enhanced Immune Function: Adenoregulins may enhance energy production and distribution on the cellular level; promoting immune function.

• Improved Metabolism: Enhanced cellular energy function positively influences the processing of food for nutrition, calorie burning, and weight management.

• Cellular Longevity: Cellular optimization could promote longer life expectancy due to increased and enduring performance of the cells.

Dermaseptins consist of multiple groups of peptides, including adenoregulins (containing 33 amino acids) along with plasticins and philloseptins.These peptides provide comprehensive protection against pathogens in the frog’s natural environment. 

Similar actions are noted when this family of peptides is applied to the human immune system; particularly in their action against filamentous fungi; the base threat for those with immunodeficiency syndrome or individuals undertaking immunosuppressive therapies.

They also directly combat pathogens from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, other fungi, yeasts, and protozoa. This action comprises yet another potential benefit towards potentializing widespread medical methodologies.

The University of Paris recently found that dermaseptin B2 and B3 have a positive outcome in battling specific cancer cell types. Cancer perpetuates through the process of angiogenesis, the process of creating new blood vessels to supply nutrients to the tumors. Dermaseptins halt this process by working to prevent angiogenesis and tumor cells thereby preventing growth. What's more, instead of all-inclusive targeting of multiple cell types under current cancer treatment methods, dermaseptins have selective cytotoxicity and specifically target malignant cells. 

Other universities have followed suit; a reward was recently granted to the University of Belfast for their research on Kambo and cancer.

Bradykinins have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Phyllokinins and tryptophilins in particular share a close resemblance to bradykinin, and are found endogenously in humans. The following four categories comprise the primary action of bradykin (partnered by phyllokinins and tryptophilins) found in Kambo. 

Hypotensive Effect: The bradykinins in Kambo have the potential to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common ailment in our country and is associated with cardiovascular disease and strokes. 

Vasodilation: Vasodilation implies widening of the blood vessels. A direct outcome of bradykinin’s introduction into the cardiovascular system. This action ensures the greater delivery of oxygen to the body’s tissues resulting in cellular efficiency. 

Contraction of Non-vascular Smooth Muscle: This effect is notably evident in the small intestines and the bronchi. This action of bradykinins has promise in treating conditions such as asthma. 

Increased Vascular Permeability and Role in Inflammatory Pain: This implies the ability of substances to penetrate the walls of blood vessels. This can be positive or negative. Increased permeability allows for greater amounts of nutrients and cells to pass through; yet it can also lead to inflammation and pain as increased amounts of fluid gain passage to the tissues of the body.

Bombesins play a crucial role in digestive health. They stimulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCI) that aids in breaking down food, notably proteins. This allows for the pepsin enzyme to break proteins down into smaller peptides.

G cells in the stomach produce the hormone gastrin, which promotes the production of HCI. Bombesins interact with the G cells, bolstering the efficient synthesis of HCI. 

Along with endocrine functions (release of the hormones insulin and glucagon), the pancreas has exocrine functions supported by bombesin peptides. The pancreas secretes enzymes into the small intestine that support the breakdown of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and  propagates nutrient absorption.

Increased Myoelectric Activity: Bombesins help to stimulate this action by aiding in peristalsis (muscular contraction of the bowels) thereby preventing constipation and helping nutrient absorption and mixing food with digestive enzymes in the small intestine. 

Summary of the Positive Impact of Bombesins: 

• Optimal Digestion: HCI secretion and promotion of pancreatic enzyme release prevents indigestion and bloating. 

• Improved Nutrient Absorption: The effectiveness of nutrient breakdown improves absorption in the intestinal walls. Vitamins, minerals, and other compounds absorbed in this process improve overall health. 

• Promotion of Gut Health: Increased myoelectric activity and smooth muscle contractility (peristalsis) helps to remedy constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. 

• Protection Against Gastric Disorders: Through promoting the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, bombesins help to keep harmful bacteria in-check. The outcome is reduced infections and gastritis whilst promoting a balance of gut flora. 

• Boosting Metabolism: Through ensuring efficient digestion, nutrients are available for increased energy production. This action aids in efficient metabolic rates, energy production, and possibly weight management. 

Ceruleans interact specifically with the digestive system by stimulating the production and release of gastric, bile, and pancreatic secretions. 

Gastric, Bile, & Pancreatic Secretions: The stomach, liver, and pancreas are necessary organs in the digestive process that process food and extract nutrients.

Gastric Secretions: Acids and enzymes in the stomach break down food particles, including proteins. Ceruleans stimulate these secretions thereby promoting efficient digestion.

Bile Secretions: Bile produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder is essential for the emulsification and absorption of fats. This process ensures that our body derives fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins from our food.

Pancreatic Secretions: Ceruleans promote these secretions that contain enzymes that further digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. 

Positive Effects: As ceruleans promote these vital secretions, they can prevent certain gastrointestinal disorders, especially in two areas:

• Paralytic Ileus: This is a condition resulting from muscular inactivity that leads to an excess of gas and fluids. Afflicted individuals suffer from abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stools and gas. Cerulaeans promote smooth-muscle stimulation that can alleviate this paralysis, allowing for better intestinal motility.

• Pancreatic Dysfunction Diagnosis: Recognized as a silent affliction until it progresses into advanced stages. The result can be severe malnutrition as the body cannot process nutrients properly. Medical practitioners can use ceruleans to monitor their influence on pancreatic secretions and diagnostically measure organ health and functionality more accurately.

Tryptophilins are complex molecules composed of chains of 4 to 14 amino acids. Classified as neuropeptides, they are small protein-like molecules that enable neurons to communicate with one another and mediate body processes integral in pain perception and emotional responses.

Enhanced Neuroplasticity: Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to recognize and adapt both structurally and functionally. This is an important process in learning new skills, formation of memories, and recovering from neural injuries. Tryptophilins stimulate pathways in the brain core to promote the processes of plasticity. They may improve synaptic connections that help neurons communicate efficiently. This could result in improved cognitive functions, faster learning, and better memory retention.

Mood Regulation & Emotional Well-being: The limbic system is the brain’s emotional center, and relies upon neuropeptides to transmit signals and help with mood regulation. When tryptophilins are introduced, they can possibly modulate transmissions and aid in stabilization of mood fluctuations. This action may be particularly helpful for those with mood disorders or help balance mood transitions. Through balancing the release of neurotransmitters, they may alleviate anxiety, depression, or stress. They could also promote feelings of contentment as a result in their role in the reward pathways of the brain.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Neuroinflammation can lead to cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and degenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s. Contemporary studies have shown that tryptophilins could reduce neuroinflammation through the influence they have with specific receptors in the brain. The result is preventing inflammation, modulation of immune responses, and regulating the environment of the brain to promote healthy function. 

Promoting Longevity & Neural Health: The introduction of tryptophilins may delay degenerative changes associated with aging by promoting synaptic health, reducing inflammation, and ensuring balanced neurotransmitter release. The presence of tryptophilins might also prevent neural insults from either injuries or environmental toxins.