Kristian Trend, a 40-year-old wellness coach from Leicester, died last month after taking Kambo, a toxic substance made from the mucus of the giant leaf frog. He was found unwell at his flat in Clarendon Park and was rushed to hospital where he later died. Toxicology tests are currently underway.
According to the Metro, Kristian had previously beaten Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. Diagnosed at 23, he was told he had up to six months to live without intensive treatment. He spent four months in hospital before recovering and later dedicated his life to holistic wellness, travelling through India and Asia.
His mother Angie told the Telegraph that her son was deeply spiritual and had spoken about wanting to cleanse himself before he died. "He took a lot of vitamins. But I don't know what happened," she said. "We haven't had the test results back yet. I don't know anything, and I don't even think I want to know what happened. It won't bring him back."
Kambo is derived from the skin secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor, commonly called the giant leaf frog. It is used in rituals that involve burning the skin and applying the toxin directly into the wound. Practitioners claim it detoxifies the body but health authorities in multiple countries have raised serious warnings about its safety.
The substance is banned in Australia, Brazil and Chile. In the UK it remains legal and can still be purchased.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of administering poison in connection with Kristian's death. Leicestershire Police confirmed the investigation is continuing.
A UK government spokesperson said any substance posing a risk to public health would be kept under review and urged people to be cautious about alternative therapies.
Kristian was well known and well liked in wellness circles. He had spoken openly about how his cancer diagnosis changed the direction of his life and pushed him toward spiritual and holistic practices.
