Medical Uses
Scientists have found chemicals in some species of frogs known as alkaloids. They have found a total of 200 beneficial alkaloids in amphibian skin. One type of alkaloid produced by amphibian skin can be used as a pain killer. This pain killer is 200 times stronger than morphine but is not addictive like morphine. Frog skin secretions can also be used as a powerful antibiotic. The skin of a certain species of frog produces peptides that help heal cuts and bruises. Research suggests that these secretions may also repair human organs after surgery. They also provide stimulants for heart attack victims, treatments for depression, strokes, seizures, Alzheimer's and even cancer. Specifically in the Australian red eyed tree-frog (Litoria chloris) and its relatives like the red-eyed tree frog can produce compounds capable of preventing HIV.
Give the Warning
Frogs have been known throughout history to be an indicator species. They're usually the first ones to be affected by a threat. They mirror an ecosystem's health or its vulnerability before any other animal, especially humans. Amphibians, such as frogs, may warn us of unsafe environmental conditions that could impact their health as well as our own. For example, a pesticide named atrazine is the most used herbicide in the US. Studies have found that this herbicide can harm human and animal reproductive and hormonal systems.
Other Contributions
Frogs keep the insect and other small invertebrate population in check and by doing so, they help eliminate the pests that damage crops or carry human diseases that may be harmful. Frogs and other amphibians also influence human culture and have some kind of symbolism for each. Some cultures embrace them and use them as ingredients in medicine, or are seen as spiritual beings, evil or good.
Works Cited
"Frogs Can Keep Us from Croaking- Good Medical Research Summary." Frog Matters. Amphibian Ark, 7 Apr. 2008. Web. 03 May 2013. <http://frogmatters.wordpress.com/2008/04/07/frogs-can-keep-us-from-croaking-good-medical-research-summary/>.
"Indicators." Amphibian Ark Keeping Threatened Amphibian Species Afloat. Amphibian Ark, 2013. Web. 04 May 2013. <http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/amphibians-as-indicators/>.
United States. Rainforest Alliance. Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis Callidryas). Rainforest Alliance, n.d. Web. 04 May 2013. <http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/species-profiles/tree-frog>.
"Indicators." Amphibian Ark Keeping Threatened Amphibian Species Afloat. Amphibian Ark, 2013. Web. 04 May 2013. <http://www.amphibianark.org/the-crisis/amphibians-as-indicators/>.
United States. Rainforest Alliance. Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis Callidryas). Rainforest Alliance, n.d. Web. 04 May 2013. <http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/kids/species-profiles/tree-frog>.