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What Are the Different Uses of Frog Saliva?

Susan Abe
Susan Abe

Frogs are amphibious animals that begin their lives in water as tadpoles and graduate to both water and land as adults. While some zoologists emphasize that there is actually no taxonomic difference between frogs and toads, frogs are usually distinguished from their close toad relatives by their colorful, moist and always smooth skin through which they absorb oxygen. Frogs and toads have small rudimentary teeth designed only to hold onto prey until the meal is swallowed whole and both animals lack salivary glands entirely. Thus, a query regarding the different uses of nonexistent frog saliva is moot. The term "frog saliva" has been given to a number of other substances, however, and has been referred to in unusual applications in warfare and cooking.

In some cases and depending upon the specific creature, frog and toad toxins are sometimes misidentified as poisonous frog saliva. A minority of frogs and toads utilize extreme coloration and various poisons excreted from their skins to warn off potential predators. Unfortunate animals that unwittingly ingest poisonous frogs or toads can experience extreme illness and even death. The poison produced by the skin of the Columbian Dart Frog is well known to indigenous people. Arrowheads or the points of weapon darts are rubbed against dart frogs to increase the lethality of the weapon.

Woman holding a book
Woman holding a book

Frog saliva is also erroneously thought to be a means by which frogs stun and capture insects for food. This mistake arises from a mix-up of entirely different species with different hunting techniques. Frogs do hunt insects, but only by means of their long tongues. When very quickly extended, a frog's coiled tongue unrolls to catch the insect on its sticky surface. Certain lizards and other animals — with the exception of frogs — do hunt by knocking down prey with an accurate and powerful spit of saliva.

When called for recipes, frog saliva — or Sheap Kap — is often identified as an ingredient in certain exotic Chinese desserts and frequently "translated" as Frog Saliva Soup. This is actually a misidentification, although picky or squeamish eaters may not be mollified by the true origin of the recipe ingredient: frog fallopian tubes. Double boiled for up to four hours to avoid scorching, the frog fallopian tubes are then mixed with gingko nuts, sugar and other spices to present the final creamy dessert.

Finally, if Frog Saliva Soup is too exotic for many Western diners, Bird's Nest Soup can always be substituted. Authentic Bird's Nest Soup — made and consumed in Asia — actually includes the nests of cave swifts constructed with cave swift saliva and is very expensive. The Western version of Bird's Nest Soup available from your local Chinese restaurant is similar in name only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about frog saliva?

Frog saliva is a highly specialized secretion that changes its viscosity upon contact with prey. Initially thick and sticky, it wraps around the prey, and then, as the frog retracts its tongue, the saliva becomes more fluid, allowing the prey to slide easily into the frog's mouth. This dynamic viscosity is a remarkable adaptation for efficient feeding.

How do frogs use their saliva in the wild?

In the wild, frogs use their saliva primarily for capturing prey. The stickiness of the saliva helps them catch various insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates. Once the prey is ensnared by the adhesive saliva, the frog's tongue snaps back into its mouth, bringing the captured meal with it for consumption.

Can frog saliva have medical applications for humans?

Yes, the unique properties of frog saliva have potential medical applications for humans. Researchers are exploring the possibility of mimicking the reversible viscosity of frog saliva to develop new adhesive bandages or drug delivery systems that could release medication when needed, as reported by studies in biomimetics and bioinspired materials.

Is frog saliva being used in any current technologies or products?

While frog saliva is not yet widely used in commercial products, its unique properties are inspiring innovations in materials science. For example, the reversible adhesive qualities of frog saliva are being studied for creating better industrial adhesives and surgical glues that could benefit from adjustable stickiness, as suggested by recent biomimetic research.

What research is being done on frog saliva?

Research on frog saliva is ongoing in fields such as biology, materials science, and engineering. Scientists are investigating the molecular composition of the saliva, its adhesive and lubricating mechanisms, and how these can be applied to create new synthetic materials or improve existing technologies, with studies published in peer-reviewed journals on amphibian physiology.

Are there any conservation concerns related to frogs that could impact the study of their saliva?

Conservation concerns are significant when it comes to frogs, as many species are threatened by habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and disease. These factors could impact the availability of frogs for study and the potential applications of their saliva. Protecting frog populations is crucial, not only for ecological balance but also for the continued research and potential benefits their unique biology can provide, as emphasized by conservation organizations worldwide.

Discussion Comments

literally45

@burcinc-- I'm Chinese and hasma goes by many different names in China, including "toad fat" or "toad oil." But you are right that the fallopian tube bit is always left out. I always call it sheat kap or frog saliva dessert.

I'm also a doctor and as strange as it sounds, I came across a medical report about a man suffering from eye damage due to frog saliva recently. Apparently, the frog splashed saliva while the man was observing it, which got into his eye. The toxic substances damaged his eye.

Now if frogs don't have saliva or spit saliva, did the man confuse a lizard with a frog? Or are there some rare frog species out there that can in fact produce a liquid resembling saliva that they use for defense purposes?

burcinc

@fBoyle-- The funniest thing called "frog saliva" must be hasma. And it's actually not the fallopian tubes of a frog, but rather the fatty tissue around the fallopian tubes. I know, that won't make a difference for most people. I personally wouldn't eat it either, but it's a delicacy that many people enjoy. I actually think that it's a good idea to call it "frog saliva" because it certainly sounds better than "fallopian tube fat." People might be less averse to eating frog saliva.

fBoyle

I can't believe that there are so many different things called "frog saliva" when frogs don't even have saliva! I think this shows how amused people are with frogs and it also shows how little we knew about them until recently.

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