Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray: An Assessment of Respiratory Health and its Management Following Accidental and Deliberate Exposures

Title:Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray: An Assessment of Respiratory Health and its Management Following Accidental and Deliberate Exposures

Volume: 24 Issue: 18

Author(s): Pompy Patowary, Manash Pratim Pathak*, Pervej Alom Barbhuiya, Sanjeev Karmakar, Pronobesh Chattopadhyay and Kamaruz Zaman

Affiliation:

• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Assam down town University, Sankar Madhab Path, Gandhi Nagar, Panikhaiti, Guwahati, Assam, India;
• Centre for Research on Ethnomedicine, Assam down town University, Sankar Madhab Path, Gandhi Nagar, Panikhaiti, Guwahati, Assam, India

Abstract: Introduced into law enforcement in 1976, the oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray has been labeled as one of the most significant and radical developments in law enforcement. However, epidemiological research on OC health effects is deficient, receiving little public support. The major responses to acute exposure to OC spray can be found in the pulmonary system. The molecular mechanism(s) involved in the action of capsaicinoids, the active constituents in OC, are complex cascades of reactions which end up in necrosis or apoptosis. OC may also damage and deplete biological redox systems in the epithelial lining fluids and within cells and mitochondria, modifying structural proteins and nucleic acids and leading to enzyme inactivation. Since there are no characteristic laboratory tests available for identification or confirmation of OC exposure, and on the basis of prevailing data, reassessment of the health risks of OC exposures in vulnerable populations and in-depth study of the molecular mechanics of receptors is the need of the hour for the development of effective countermeasures. This review aims to consider evidence for adverse effects of OC spray used in ways comparable to their application by law enforcement personnel and civilians, with possible treatment recommendations that are precedent for improved management.

Cite this article as:

Patowary Pompy, Pathak Manash Pratim*, Barbhuiya Pervej Alom, Karmakar Sanjeev, Chattopadhyay Pronobesh and Zaman Kamaruz, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray: An Assessment of Respiratory Health and its Management Following Accidental and Deliberate Exposures, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2024; 24 (18) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0115680266298811240514061433