Background
The Waxy Monkey Frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei, is native to the rain forests of Latin America. This species of frog has evolved a unique mechanism for defense against microorganism through secretions of specific peptides in the skin (Chen et al. 2005). These peptides are designed for the protection of the frog however recently humans have found new uses for them through extensive research (Chen et al. 2005). Two of the toxins that have been found are dermatoxin and phylloxins. Both of these are often found on the skin of amphibians as a wide spectrum antibiotic. This species also secretes dermophin, which is a more potent pain suppressor than morphine. Native tribes have found the effects of these peptides to be beneficial for hunting and often seek out this species. When mammals consume the skin secretions not only does it block pain but it also can create feeling of euphoria. Due to these side effects, people have been known to misuse the frog’s secretions not just for human consumption but also illegally in the horse racing community. The uses of the waxy monkey frog’s secretion has also been found to help with the treatment of cancerous tumors by blood vessel growth suppression. (Shaw et al. 2011)
The Waxy Monkey Frog, Phyllomedusa sauvagei, is native to the rain forests of Latin America. This species of frog has evolved a unique mechanism for defense against microorganism through secretions of specific peptides in the skin (Chen et al. 2005). These peptides are designed for the protection of the frog however recently humans have found new uses for them through extensive research (Chen et al. 2005). Two of the toxins that have been found are dermatoxin and phylloxins. Both of these are often found on the skin of amphibians as a wide spectrum antibiotic. This species also secretes dermophin, which is a more potent pain suppressor than morphine. Native tribes have found the effects of these peptides to be beneficial for hunting and often seek out this species. When mammals consume the skin secretions not only does it block pain but it also can create feeling of euphoria. Due to these side effects, people have been known to misuse the frog’s secretions not just for human consumption but also illegally in the horse racing community. The uses of the waxy monkey frog’s secretion has also been found to help with the treatment of cancerous tumors by blood vessel growth suppression. (Shaw et al. 2011)
Information you might need to understand the topic and its significance
Dermatoxin and phylloxin are compounds that produce a broad spectrum antimicrobials.
Dermophin is also compound that is used as a pain blocker.
Why Should You Care
The Waxy Monkey Frog releases antimicrobial toxins as a defense mechanism, which has been found to be a pain blocker four times more powerful than morphine. Research is currently being done on the this compound which looks at its use as a new pain medication. The properties of the toxin help restrict blood vessel growth and is now being used to help with the treatment of cancer patients. It’s being used to induce the performance of race horses and is often referred to as “juicing”. Juicing helps numb the pain of injuries and gives the horses a boost of energy. This has become a huge issue because it was difficult to catch on toxicology reports.
Why We Selected The Waxy Monkey Tree Frog
Our group was first interested in animals that produced a toxin as a defense mechanism. We wanted to select something none of us had heard of but was also significant to future studies, and medical research.
Dermatoxin and phylloxin are compounds that produce a broad spectrum antimicrobials.
Dermophin is also compound that is used as a pain blocker.
Why Should You Care
The Waxy Monkey Frog releases antimicrobial toxins as a defense mechanism, which has been found to be a pain blocker four times more powerful than morphine. Research is currently being done on the this compound which looks at its use as a new pain medication. The properties of the toxin help restrict blood vessel growth and is now being used to help with the treatment of cancer patients. It’s being used to induce the performance of race horses and is often referred to as “juicing”. Juicing helps numb the pain of injuries and gives the horses a boost of energy. This has become a huge issue because it was difficult to catch on toxicology reports.
Why We Selected The Waxy Monkey Tree Frog
Our group was first interested in animals that produced a toxin as a defense mechanism. We wanted to select something none of us had heard of but was also significant to future studies, and medical research.