Sacco Matteo Antonio, Gualtieri Saverio, Spiliopoulou Chara, Sakelliadis Emmanouil I, Verrina Maria Cristina, Aquila Isabella
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, ITA.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, GRC.
Cureus. 2025 Jan 18;17(1):e77646. doi: 10.7759/cureus.77646. eCollection 2025 Jan.
Kambo (Kambô) is a secretion of an amphibian traditionally used by indigenous tribes in the Amazon region. This secretion is derived from the giant monkey frog () and is utilized in tribal cleansing rituals known as Kambo ceremonies. Kambo is purported to offer several benefits, both physical and psychological. Proponents of this practice claim that it can enhance physical endurance, sharpen mental clarity, and boost overall health. However, the side effects, such as tachycardia, blood pressure fluctuations, and gastrointestinal distress, highlight the need for caution. In this work, we analyzed the correlation between Kambo intake and the risk of death. A literature review demonstrated that only a few cases of death have been described to date. These reported cases emphasize the need to consider potential and concrete dangers associated with Kambo uptake, including sudden cardiac death and esophageal rupture. These episodes may be exacerbated in patients with pre-existing risk factors. Careful epidemiological and toxicological surveillance is required to timely identify these events, especially considering the difficulties related to the isolation of Kambo peptides.
卡姆波是一种两栖动物的分泌物，传统上被亚马逊地区的原住民部落使用。这种分泌物来自巨型猴蛙，用于一种名为卡姆波仪式的部落净化仪式。据称，卡姆波在身体和心理方面都有诸多益处。这种做法的支持者声称，它可以增强身体耐力、提高思维清晰度并改善整体健康状况。然而，其副作用，如心动过速、血压波动和胃肠道不适，凸显了谨慎使用的必要性。在这项研究中，我们分析了摄入卡姆波与死亡风险之间的相关性。文献综述表明，迄今为止仅描述了少数死亡病例。这些报告的病例强调了有必要考虑与摄入卡姆波相关的潜在和具体危险，包括心源性猝死和食管破裂。在有既往风险因素的患者中，这些情况可能会加剧。需要进行仔细的流行病学和毒理学监测，以便及时发现这些事件，特别是考虑到分离卡姆波肽的困难。
