Acute and subacute psychoactive effects of Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Maki Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor): retrospective reports

This retrospective survey study (n=22) investigated the (sub)acute effects of Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolour), using the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale (5D/11D-ASC), the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and the Persisting Effects Questionnaire (PEQ). While persistent effects were described as pleasant and bared personal and spiritual significance, the acute effects exhibited no resemblance to psychedelic-type distortions in perception and thinking.

Abstract

Introduction: Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolour) contains a plethora of bioactive peptides and was originally used by indigenous communities from the Amazon basin as medicine for improving hunting capacities. In the last 20 years, Kambô has spread to Western urban healing circles. To date it is still controversial whether the acute effects of Kambô include alterations of consciousness similar to known psychoactive substance like serotonergic psychedelics.

Methods: Here we retrospectively assessed psychological effects of Kambô in a sample of anonymous users (n = 22, mean age: 39 years, ± 8.5; 45.5% female), administering standardized questionnaires for the assessment of altered states of consciousness (ASC), including the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale, the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), the Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ), the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) for acute effects and the Persisting Effects Questionnaire (PEQ) and a scale assessing connectedness for subacute effects.

Results: The intensity of retrospectively reported acute psychological effects remained on a mild to moderate level, with no psychedelic-type distortions of perception or thinking.

Discussion: Conversely, persisting effects were predominantly described as positive and pleasant, revealing high scores on measures of personal and spiritual significance.”

Authors: Timo T. Schmidt, Simon Reiche, Caroline L. C. Hage, Felix Bermpohl & Tomislav Majić

Summary of Acute and subacute psychoactive effects of Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Maki Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor): retrospective reports

Acute and subacute psychoactive effects of Kambô, the secretion of the Amazonian Giant Maki Frog (Phyllomedusa bicolor): retrospective reports

Kambô is the Matsé name for the secretion of the Giant Leaf Frog, which is ritually used by different ethnicities in the Amazon basin of Brazil and Peru. It contains a variety of potent bioactive peptides.

Kambô is applied to the recipient via several fresh superficial burns on the arms, legs or chest. It induces an intense reaction that includes hypotension, sweating, tachycardia, heavy vomiting and edema, usually subsiding within an hour.

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