UMVA has learned that a 41‑year‑old British man has died after taking part in a controversial Kambo “purging ceremony” that allegedly used secretions from an Amazonian tree‑frog.
The victim, known as Kristian Trend, had survived a rare form of lymphoma in his early twenties and later described himself as a spiritual seeker who relied on vitamins and alternative therapies to stay healthy.
In a video posted to social media earlier this year, he warned that doctors had given him only months to live without aggressive treatment, and he chose to “surrender to a higher purpose” rather than live in fear.
Friends and family say the tragedy unfolded just days after his birthday, when loved ones had gathered to celebrate his recovery and resilience.
According to information obtained by UMVA, his mother, Mrs. Flood, expressed crushing grief and called for a ban on the practice, insisting that no one else should endure the “devastating pain” she witnessed.
Police have arrested a 41‑year‑old man on suspicion of administering a poisonous substance during the ceremony, but he was released on bail while investigators continue to probe the death.
Kambo, derived from the skin of a tree‑frog, can be bought legally in the UK despite lacking endorsement from any licensed medical authority, and its purported health benefits remain unproven by scientific studies.
Health experts warn that the substance can trigger a cascade of dangerous reactions, including severe drops in blood pressure, relentless vomiting, kidney failure, and even psychosis.
The British Complementary Medicine Association urged the public to verify the credentials of any practitioner offering such treatments, comparing the due diligence required for doctors to that for alternative therapists.
The UK medicines regulator stresses that any natural‑derived compound must be prescribed with a clear understanding of its risks, side effects, and potential interactions with other drugs.
One UK‑based company that runs weekly Kambo detox sessions issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and emphasizing the need for thorough screening and professional supervision.
