Phyllomedusa bicolor, often called the giant monkey frog, is a distinctive amphibian species found across the Amazon rainforest. This unique creature is recognized for its appearance, arboreal lifestyle, and the specialized secretions it produces from its skin.
The Bicolor Tree Frog
Phyllomedusa bicolor is a relatively large tree frog, with adult females reaching up to 119 millimeters (4.7 inches) and males up to 103 millimeters (4.1 inches) in length. Its dorsal side displays a vibrant lime green coloration, while its belly is typically white or yellow-white. The frog’s feet have transparent brown discs on its toes for climbing, and its eyes feature a dark gray iris. This nocturnal species inhabits the Amazon basin, including parts of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and the Guianas, preferring to reside high in the trees near water bodies.
Unique Skin Secretions
Phyllomedusa bicolor produces a skin secretion as a defense mechanism. This waxy substance is carefully spread across its body, helping to prevent dehydration and allowing the frog to inhabit drier conditions than many other amphibians. The secretion is obtained by gently scraping the frog’s skin, typically after it has been captured and temporarily restrained, a process that stimulates the release of the substance. This secretion contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, primarily peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that can bind to cell receptors in human cells and trigger various reactions. These peptides include dermaseptins, dermorphins, and deltorphins, with phyllocaerulein often present in the highest concentration.
Traditional Use and Kambo
Indigenous communities in the Amazon have traditionally used Phyllomedusa bicolor secretions, a practice known as “Kambo” or “Sapo.” This practice is deeply rooted in indigenous healing rituals and is believed to cleanse the body and enhance physical strength. The frog is captured, and its secretions are collected onto bamboo sticks, which are then dried for later use.
For application, small, superficial burns are created on the recipient’s skin, often on the arms or legs, using a smoldering stick. The dried secretion, reconstituted with water, is then applied to these open wounds, allowing the compounds to enter the bloodstream. Tribes such as the Matsés, Katukina, and Yawanawá use Kambo, believing it helps expel “panema,” referring to bad luck or negative energy.
Understanding Kambo’s Effects and Risks
Upon application, Kambo rapidly enters the bloodstream, leading to physiological effects that typically last between 5 to 30 minutes, though they can extend for several hours. Initial sensations often include a rush of heat and facial redness, quickly followed by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Other effects include dizziness, heart palpitations, difficulty swallowing, and swelling of the lips, eyelids, or face. While some users report positive after-effects such as enhanced mental clarity and physical energy, Kambo carries significant risks.
Avoid Kambo if you have serious heart problems, including severe hypertension, or a history of stroke, brain hemorrhage, aneurysms, or blood clots, as the effects can strain the cardiovascular system and increase intracranial pressure. Individuals with epilepsy, Addison’s disease, or those recovering from major surgery should abstain. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications. Kambo is not recommended for individuals with severe mental health issues, as the experience can be challenging.
Combining Kambo with other substances like ayahuasca or Bufo alvarius secretions is advised against. Adverse events include severe and prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, muscle spasms, convulsions, jaundice, confusion, and scarring. In rare cases, Kambo has been linked to toxic hepatitis, organ failure, and death.
Legal Status and Conservation
The legal status of Kambo and Phyllomedusa bicolor secretions varies across different countries. In Brazil, Kambo’s sale and marketing were banned in 2004, although its use is not explicitly prohibited. Other countries may regulate Kambo differently; for instance, Australia classifies it as a Schedule 10 poison, which prohibits its sale, supply, and use. Despite being listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List, concerns exist regarding Phyllomedusa bicolor’s conservation status due to collection practices.