Compound Monograph
Phyllolitorin
Phyllolitorin is a bombesin-like peptide from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa frogs, part of the Kambo complex.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Phyllolitorin is a naturally occurring bioactive peptide (bombesin/ranatensin family), found in Kambo — skin secretion of the giant monkey frog. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Phyllolitorin is one of the bioactive peptides found in the skin secretion (“kambo”) of Phyllomedusa tree frogs. It belongs to the bombesin/ranatensin family of peptides, which act on bombesin-type receptors and can influence smooth muscle, gut secretion and appetite signalling. It is part of the broad mixture of frog-skin peptides thought to underlie the strong physical effects of kambo.
Toxicity & Safety
As a biologically active peptide within the kambo secretion, phyllolitorin is not a casual substance. Kambo as a whole can produce intense gastrointestinal and cardiovascular effects, and serious adverse events have been reported in connection with its ritual use. The individual peptide is of interest mainly in pharmacology research.