Kambo stick: ethnobotanical specimen of Phyllomedusa bicolor
This kambo stick contains the dried skin secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor, a nocturnal tree frog that lives in the upper canopy of the Amazon rainforest. The species is found in northern Bolivia, western and northern Brazil, southeastern Colombia, eastern Peru, southern and eastern Venezuela, and the Guianas. Males grow to 9 to 10 cm in length; females are slightly larger. The back is dark green, the belly yellowish-white to cream-colored. Behind the eyes are two prominent glands that produce the secretion.
The secretion has been the subject of scientific research since the 1960s. In the 1980s, Italian pharmacologist Vittorio Erspamer identified a complex mixture of bioactive peptides in the skin of Phyllomedusinae species. To date, sixteen bioactive peptides have been isolated from the secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor, including phyllocaerulein, phyllokinin, phyllomedusin, sauvagine, dermorphin, deltorphin, adenoregulin, and bombesin. These peptides are the subject of pharmacological research due to their diverse mechanisms of action on the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and opioid systems.
Contents of the kit
The kambo kit contains four components that are delivered together. The kambo stick itself is a flat wooden stick coated with a layer of dried secretion from Phyllomedusa bicolor, sufficient for approximately 100 applications. The two included burning sticks are thin wooden rods of the type traditionally used in the application. Dragon’s Blood (Sangre de Drago) is a dark red tree resin derived from Croton lechleri, a tree native to the Amazon region. This resin contains the alkaloid taspine and proanthocyanidins with studied antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a piece of sacred wood traditionally burned for aromatic and ceremonial purposes.
Origin and Harvesting Method
The secretion is harvested by the Matsés community in the Loreto region, in the deep Peruvian Amazon. Harvesting takes place just before sunrise, when the frogs emit their characteristic call. The collectors imitate this sound to lure the frogs. Phyllomedusa bicolor has no natural predators and is therefore relatively easy to catch. The frogs are temporarily and carefully held by their legs while the secretion is collected from their backs by gently stroking the skin. After collection, the frogs are returned unharmed to their habitat. A rotation system ensures that the same frogs are not used too often, which safeguards the well-being of the population.
Identified bioactive peptides
The secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor is one of the most extensively studied amphibian secretions in the world. The main identified peptide classes are:
Phyllocaerulein and caerulein stimulate smooth muscle contractions and influence gastric, gallbladder, and pancreatic secretion. Phyllokinine and phyllomedusin belong to the bradykinin and tachykinin systems, respectively, and have vasodilatory properties. Sauvagine is a corticotropin-releasing factor analog. Dermorphin and deltorphin are opioid peptides with high affinity for mu- and delta-opioid receptors, respectively. In vitro models show that dermorphin is 500 to 1000 times more potent than morphine when administered centrally, although its peripheral potency is comparable to that of morphine due to suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties. Adenoregulin acts on adenosine receptors, and dermaseptine has demonstrated antimicrobial properties.
More information about ethnobotanical products from the Amazon region can be found in our herb shop.
Classification and Legal Status
This product is sold as an ethnobotanical collectible and specimen with ethnographic value. It is not intended for consumption or therapeutic use. The skin secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor is not listed on Schedule I or II of the Opium Act in the Netherlands and is legally available. Legal status varies by country. It is the buyer’s responsibility to verify local laws when ordering from abroad.
Safety and Warnings
The skin secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor contains potent bioactive peptides that, when applied to the skin, can cause intense physiological reactions within minutes, including a drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, angioedema (facial swelling), and disorientation. The scientific literature documents serious complications and fatalities resulting from improper use.
Dutch-Smart makes no medical or therapeutic claims about this product. This product is not intended as a medicine, supplement, or therapeutic agent. For questions about this product, please contact our customer service. Extensive background information on ethnobotanical substances can be found in the knowledge base.
This product is intended exclusively for individuals 18 years of age and older.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many application points does one kambo stick contain?
One stick contains enough dried material for approximately 100 application points (dots). The exact number depends on the size of the points and the thickness of the secretion layer.
What is included in the complete kit?
The kit contains: the kambo stick (Phyllomedusa bicolor secretion), two burning sticks (wood), a bottle of Dragon’s Blood (Sangre de Drago, resin from Croton lechleri), and a piece of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens). All components come from the Peruvian Amazon region.
How do I store the kambo stick?
Store the stick in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight. When stored properly, the dried material has a long shelf life. Avoid contact with moisture.
Is kambo legal in the Netherlands?
The skin secretion of Phyllomedusa bicolor and the peptides it contains are not listed on the Dutch Opium Act schedules. The product is legally available in the Netherlands as an ethnobotanical collectible. The legal status may vary in other countries.
Does the product come with instructions for use?
This product is sold as a collector’s item and does not come with instructions for therapeutic or ritual use. Dutch-Smart does not provide instructions for the use of kambo and makes no claims regarding its alleged therapeutic effects.
