Deaths Linked to Kambo Frog Poison Ritual Reported in Multiple Countries
At least six deaths have been recorded worldwide in connection with kambo ceremonies since 2008. The practice involves applying secretions from the giant monkey frog to skin burns and remains banned in several nations.
theweek.comAt least six people have died after participating in kambo ceremonies, an indigenous ritual that applies dried secretions from the giant monkey frog to small skin burns. The most recent case occurred in March when 40-year-old UK wellness coach Kristian Trend died following a cleansing ceremony, according to local media reports.
Kambo originates from Amazonian tribes and was first documented in writing in 1925 by French missionary Constant Tastevin. The secretions contain bioactive peptides that can trigger intense nausea, vomiting, rapid blood-pressure drops, and in severe cases, cardiac complications or esophageal rupture.
Documented deaths include a 52-year-old man in Brazil in 2008, a man in Italy in 2018 who had pre-existing heart conditions, Australian woman Natasha Lechner in 2019, Australian man Jarrad Antonovich in 2021, Mexican actress Marcela Alcazar Rodríguez in 2024, and Kristian Trend in March this year.
Brazil banned the sale and marketing of kambo in 2004.
Chile prohibits its import, Australia classified it as a poison in 2021, and the United States lists it as illegal. In January 2025 the US embassy in Peru issued a circular advising citizens against its use. A review published in the medical journal Cureus called for tighter regulation after documenting severe reactions.
Indigenous leaders, including Yamanawa leader Joaquim Luz, have warned that the ritual should only be conducted by trained specialists from originating communities.
