Several of these peptides have already been identified and synthesized and are available to purchase online and currently there are over 70 Kambô patents lodged, mainly in the USA.

Peptides are compounds that are formed by linking one or more amino acids in a chain, connected by special bonds. When the chain becomes too large and bends round it becomes a protein. The dividing line between a peptide and a protein is somewhat fluid. Proteins are much more complex, because they are so much longer, and most proteins are folded into complex structures to accommodate all of their amino acids. When peptide chains reach long lengths (where more than 50 amino-acids are involved), they form proteins that are in turn, the building blocks for human and animal bodies. Keratin, a protein, is part of hair, hooves, nails, claws, feathers and scales. Collagen, another protein made from peptides is part of tendons, ligaments, bone and tooth enamel. After water, they are the largest component of human and animal cells and tissue.

A peptide can perform a wide range of functions in the body, depending on which amino acids are involved. Hormones for example are types of peptides that carry signals between glands and cells to control body functions such as sleep and blood sugar regulation. They are made in the Endocrine system as well as the stomach, intestine and liver. Bradykinin, Gastrin, and Oxytocin are peptides that are common hormones. Antibiotics are peptides that stop the growth of microorganisms in the body. Synthetic versions of these have been developed to kill disease-causing bacteria.

Many of the peptides found in Kambô are considered “bioactive” which simply means they have a specific biological function within the living organism. We also know that the Kambô secretion contains neuropeptides.

Neuropeptides are special peptides produced in the brain to help neurons communicate with each other. They are found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They influence activities in the brain and body, such as analgesia, food intake, learning, and memory. They can also work as hormones, neuromodulators, and neurohormones. When acting as neuromodulators, these molecules can activate and deactivate other neurotransmitters (e.x. chemicals such as Serotonin, Dopamine, and Histamine and Neuropeptides such as insulin, oxytocin, and vasopressin)

Derived from the term "endogenous morphine," endorphins are another type of neuropeptide. They act as natural pain killers by blocking Substance P in the central nervous system. Substance P is also a neuropeptide that transmits pain-related information from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. A person’s mood, energy level, pain, pleasure, weight, cognitive reasoning, ability to form memories, and immune system regulation are tied to neuropeptides. They can even turn on cellular function in the skin. Some are pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. An anti-inflammatory neuropeptide may be beneficial to the body as it reduces inflammation, increases collagen and elastin, repairs scars and wrinkles, and increases circulation.

A Bioactive peptide means that the amino acid chain performs a specific biological function that has a positive impact on the human body.

Kambô contains many bioactive peptides so when it enters the body, the cell receptors open and allow it to enter the cells. When foreign substances enter the body, the cell does not always unlock automatically but has to be broken into by the unknown substance. As a natural substance that the body recognizes, it unlocks Kambô at a cellular level with no stress to the cells. It also cleans out deposits left in the cells by foreign substances that the cell was not able to process alone.

Read more about peptides here.