Monkey-Frog at the Racetrack: Horse dope from the Amazon

[caiano]

recent articles on the same topic:
http://ethnoground.blogspot.it/2012/06/monkey-frog-at-racetrack-horse-dope.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/20/sports/horse-racing-discovers-new-drug-problem-one-linked-to-frogs.html?_r=2&hp

"Racehorse trainers have been known to use other exotic substances including snake venom to improve horse performance and cheat at the tracks.  In addition to its analgesic effects, masking the pains of overexertion by horse or man, dermorphin appears to produce physiological excitement and euphoria.  Two of the horses testing positive for the substance in Louisiana had earned substantial purses, and according to Charles A. Gardiner III, executive director of the Louisiana Racing Commission, “A lot of money’s got to be given back.” 

If only such ill-gotten winnings could be returned to the Matses…"

[avendagold]

Great find.  It's not quite the same species of frog that is mentioned in this article but dermorphins are found in Kambo. Just goes to show that if they are using for horses then it must work.

[caiano]

same thing reported also here:
http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0621-frog-juice.html

[lala]

Just heard this on NPR and was wondering if it could possibly be Kambo... Wowza