Caeruleins Family – Phyllocaerulein

Phyllocaerulein stimulates the adrenal cortex and pituitary gland while causing gall bladder contractions and secretion of gastric and pancreatic juices. Phyllocaerulein and phyllokinnin contribute to hypotensive effects of kambo and why some people’s blood pressure drops, causing temporary fainting.

A neuropeptide which produces strong smooth muscle contraction (heart, gut and vascular), reduces blood pressure, modifies satiety, sedation and thermoregulation. It is also a potent analgesic. During a Kambo treatment, it is this substance that is largely responsible for nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating and abdominal discomfort.

Bradykins Family – Phyllokinin

Phyllokinin interacts with the bradykinnin system, which causes relaxation of smooth muscle. It is also a vasodilator and may influence blood-brain permeability. This peptide causes a rapid drop in blood pressure.

Tachykinins Family – Phyllomedusin

A neuropeptide which strongly affects the salivary glands, tear ducts, intestines, and bowels. It is a powerful Vasodilator which stimulates gastric secretions and contributes to violent purging and defecation. The fast dilation of the blood vessels causes the ‘rushing’ or ‘pounding’ sensation that Kambo sometimes produces.

Phyllomedusin is a peptide that interacts with the tachykinin system in mammals. This system is important for regulating the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. Phyllomedusin also causes the rapid contraction of intestinal muscles and is a potent vasodilator, which may also lead to an increase in vascular permeability through the blood-brain barrier.

Bombesins Family - Phyllolitorin, Rohdei-Litorin

neuropeptides that are active in the central and peripheral nervous system, stimulates gastric acid secretion and smooth muscle contraction.

Sauvagine

Sauvagine influences cortico-releasing-hormone system and the pituitary-adrenal axis, which is important for modulating stress, mood and impulsive behavior. Sauvagine also causes intense tachycardia, or increase of heart rate.

Sauvagine Family – Dermorphin

Dermorphins and Deltorphins are opioid-like peptides contained in kambo with Dermorphins having a high binding affinity for Mu opioid receptors, and Deltorphins having a high binding affinity for delta opioid receptors. Both of these classes of peptides have strong analgesic, pain-blocking properties and have a potency of up to 1000 times that of native endorphins and 30-40 times the potency of morphine.

Despite their potent opioid receptor activity, neither dermorphin or deltorphins show evidence of dependence or abuse potential. This may be attributed to the strength of the peptides reducing the necessary dosage. In one human study , dermorphin outperformed morphine as a post-operative pain drug. Dermorphin has been used illegally in horse racing for its ability to block pain in injured horses. Deltorphin shows evidence of having gastroprotective effects that are mediated by interaction with the vagal nerve implying that this opioid peptide may have neuroregulatory properties.

Dermaseptin Family – Dermaseptin

The Dermaseptins may be the most fascinating of all the peptides found in kambo. Dermaseptins have incredible antibiotic activity and have been found to be effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Studies have explored Dermaseptins ability to destroy on contact pathogens such as E.coli, salmonella, gonorrhea, herpes viruses, HIV, candida albicans, and even malaria-causing protozoans. Dermaseptins have a promising future as medications given their ability to kill pathogens selectively without harming animal cells.

Dermaseptins are also extremely effective at killing cancer cells and inhibiting their growth. Some dermaseptins such as adrenoregulin have also been found to affect adenosine agonist activity and may increase permeability of the blood brain barrier, making it of interest to drug delivery development.

Deltorphin Family – Deltorphin

Dermorphins and Deltorphins are opioid-like peptides contained in kambo with Dermorphins having a high binding affinity for Mu opioid receptors, and Deltorphins having a high binding affinity for delta opioid receptors. Both of these classes of peptides have strong analgesic, pain-blocking properties and have a potency of up to 1000 times that of native endorphins and 30-40 times the potency of morphine.

Despite their potent opioid receptor activity, neither dermorphin or deltorphins show evidence of dependence or abuse potential. This may be attributed to the strength of the peptides reducing the necessary dosage. In one human study, dermorphin outperformed morphine as a post-operative pain drug. Dermorphin has been used illegally in horse racing for its ability to block pain in injured horses. Deltorphin shows evidence of having gastroprotective effects that are mediated by interaction with the vagal nerve implying that this opioid peptide may have neuroregulatory properties.

Tryptophyllins

biological activity somewhat obscure but recently found to be highly potent against the yeast Candida Albicans.

Adenoregulin

(also named Dermaseptin B2) is a 33 amino acid peptide that interacts with the adenosine receptor, a fundamental component in all human cell fuel and has now shown to be highly effective in killing cancer cells.