Medical Research

The research activities of Vittorio Erspamer spanned more than 60 years and resulted in the isolation, identification, synthesis and pharmacological study of more than sixty new chemical compounds. Among these compounds were polypeptides and biogenic amines, and also some alkaloids. Most of these compounds were isolated from animals, predominantly amphibians.
 
In the late fifties, his research shifted to peptides.  In the laboratories of the Institute of Medical Pharmacology, University of Rome, he isolated from amphibians and mollusks more than fifty new bioactive peptides. These became the subjects of numerous studies in other laboratories in Europe and North America.  In 1979, he focused on opioid peptides specific to Phyllomedusa tree frog from Central and South America.   These were used by the native Indians in initiation rites, to increase their prowess as “hunters” and make them feel “invincible”.   They applied secretions from the skin of these frogs that resulted in analgesic effects.
 
The peptides discovered by Erspamer {in Kambo} trigger a variety of beneficial chemical reactions in the human body.  Kambo has the ability, unlike many other natural and pharmaceutical substances, to cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling it to reach deep into the body and bring support to otherwise difficult to treat areas.  Human cells open up to the beneficial properties of Kambo unlike many substances that are filtered and eliminated by the body’s highly intelligent defense system. Thus far, researchers have discovered nine peptides, some of which are bio-active – meaning that they perform specific functions in the body.   These peptides perform hormone-like tasks while others provide support to vital cellular processes.  Some of these peptides have a potent effect on the gastrointestinal muscles, gastric and pancreatic secretions, blood circulation, and on the stimulation of the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland.   Many peptides have since been isolated from the Kambo secretion and have been synthesized.  As a testament to their medicinal properties, there are over 70 Kambo patents lodged, mainly in the USA.
 
Kambo also contains certain neuropeptides that are small, protein-like molecules used by the neurons to communicate with each other.  These neuronal signalling molecules are involved in a wide range of brain functions including:
  • analgesia
  • reward
  • food intake
  • metabolism
  • reproduction
  • social behaviors
  • learning
  • memory
Ongoing research on peptides, Kambo’s main components, continues to evolve and find medical applications in the world of medicine and pharmacology.

Additional Information About Kambo