Man dies after trying trendy ‘detox’ using drug made from poisonous Amazonian tree frog skin

A man died just days before his birthday after trying a trendy ‘detox’ using a drug made from poisonous Amazon tree frog skin.

Kristian Trend, 40, is believed to be the first Briton to die after using the drug Kambo, the secretion of an amphibian traditionally used by indigenous Amazon tribes.

It is used in ‘purification’ and fertility ceremonies, but is poisonous and can cause tachycardia, hypotension, nausea, vomiting and sometimes bowel movements.

In more serious cases, Kambo can cause death as the drug is associated with ‘sudden death’.

Mr Trend reportedly collapsed during a ‘cleansing’ ceremony in Leicester last month where he received Kambo.

Police responded to reports that a man was ‘unwell’ at a flat in Leicester’s Clarendon Park on April 11.

But the health coach and cancer survivor died tragically.

He had been hospitalized four months earlier as he battled Burkitt lymphoma, a type of cancer characterized by rapid tumor growth that usually affects the jaw, abdomen or central nervous system.

Health coach tells mom she’ll ‘clean herself up’

Mr Trend’s mother Angie called for a ban on the use of Kambo following her son’s tragic death.

He told The Telegraph: ‘He was going to cleanse himself, that’s what he told me. He was a very spiritual person. He took too many vitamins. But I don’t know what happened.

‘We haven’t received the test results yet. I don’t know anything and I don’t even think I want to know what it is. This won’t bring him back.’

He added that the ‘worst part’ was being in the hospital fighting cancer and ‘getting over it’.

The grieving mother said: ‘It’s really terrible that this happened. ‘The following week was his birthday and I got all these presents.’

Mr Trend’s family set up a memorial page following his death. In a post on his Facebook page, one of his younger siblings appears to have written: ‘For those who would like to donate in memory of Kristian, you can follow the link below.

‘We want to raise as much money as possible for such a fantastic charity that means the world to him and us as a family.

‘Fly high, big brother. We always love you mom, Kayla and Bligh.’

Mr Trend described as ‘a great man who died too young’

One person wrote on the tribute page: ‘To our beloved Angie and Kayla, my love and support to you all.

‘I am so sorry for your tragic loss dear Kristian. Forever loved and never forgotten.’

Another said: ‘Thank you Kristian for the friendship, memories and good times. You will be greatly missed.’

A third wrote: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss. ‘No one teaches you how to prepare for the tough times in life.’

Meanwhile, a fourth said: ‘He was taken away from his family and friends at a very young age. ‘Forever in our thoughts, your family in Oz.’

A fifth wrote: ‘A wonderful man who died too young and will always remain in our hearts. My children’s forever older cousin, older Kristian.’

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison following Mr Trend’s death and was later released on bail.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: ‘An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.’

Kambo, sometimes known as Sapo, is not a licensed medicine in the UK and those who administer it are not regulated by the Health Regulatory Agency.

A government spokesman said ‘any substances that pose a risk to public health or safety will be kept under review’.

A coroner has been informed of Mr Trend’s death and an inquest is expected to be held.

The cause of death is not yet known, but toxicology tests are being performed to determine how he died.