Oleoresin Capsicum

Oleoresin Capsicum Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.

Oleoresin Capsicum is an oily organic resin derived from the fruit of plants in the Capsicum genus, such as chilli peppers. When the plants are finely ground, capsicum oleoresin is formed after the extraction process of capsaicin using oragnic solvents such as ethanol. It is commonly used as a culinary spice. The intensity of biological actions and toxicological effects of capsicum oleoresin are a direct function of the amount of capsaicinoids, or capsaicin, present in the compound . Capsaicinoids comprise of a group of fat-soluble pungent chemical phenols and include Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin . Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin are the most pungent capsaicinoid analogues .

Oleoresin Capsicum is contained in pepper sprays when suspended in water, and acts an active lachrymatory agent that induces irritation, lacrimation, pain, and temporary blindness when in contact with eyes. Due to its analgesic properties, capsicum oleoresin is used to temporarily relieve of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints as an active ingredient in topical OTC preparations and has been studied for management of different models of neuropathic pain . It is suggested that capsicum oleoresin is a rich source of phytochemicals that consist of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antidiabetic activities .

Oleoresin Capsicum is a topical analgesic and inflammatory agent. Capsaicin, an active ingredient in capsicum oleoresin, causes pain and sensitization of both peripheral and central nerves. It induces primary and secondary hyperalgesia and mimics the symptoms associated with neuropathic pain, such as allodynia, secondary hyperalgesia, referred pain area, and viscerovisceral hyperalgesia . In opposition, capsaicin also mediates analgesic actions via desensitization and withdrawal of epidermal nerve fibers . Systemic reviews of capsaicin-containing topical formulations demonstrate clinical effectiveness for pain reduction in postherpetic neuralgia, postsurgical neuropathies, and diabetic neuropathy, compared to placebo .

Oleoresin Capsicum
Uses
Dosage
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Precautions
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Uses during Pregnancy
Uses during Breastfeeding
Accute Overdose
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Trade Name	Oleoresin Capsicum
Generic	Capsicum oleoresin
Capsicum oleoresin Other Names	Capsaicin oleoresin, Capsicum annuum resin, Capsicum capsicum resin, Capsicum longum resin, Capsicum oleoresin, Cayenne pepper resin, Chili oleoresin, Oleoresin capsicum, Oleoresins of capsicum
Type
Protein binding	For pharmacokinetic properties of capsaicin, refer to the drug entry for Capsaicin.
Groups	Approved
Therapeutic Class
Manufacturer
Available Country
Last Updated:	September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am

Uses

Oleoresin Capsicum is a medication used to treat minor aches and pains of muscles and joints.

Indicated for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints associated with simple backache, arthritis, strains and sprains.

Oleoresin Capsicum is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Analgesia

How Oleoresin Capsicum works

Capsaicin is the active ingredient in capsicum oleoresin that confers the molecule its biological actions. It induces central sensitization to cause pain and depolarizes nociceptors to increases their cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration . It is a highly selective agonist and activator at the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) receptors expressed in afferent neuronal C fibers and some Aδ fibers . The aliphatic tail of capsaicin interacts with the channel via nonspecific Van der Waals forces, while hydrogen bonds between its vanillyl “head” and amide “neck” with residues of glutamic acid E571 and T551 of the channel, respectively, confers specificity for ligand binding . Binding and local activation of these receptors lead to increased influx of calcium ions and nerve depolarization. Signal propagation to the central nervous system causes local heat, stinging, and/or itching sensations . Prolonged activation of TRPV1 receptors results in loss of receptor functionality, causing impaired local nociception for extended periods due to desensitization and inactivation of sensory neurons. It is thought that the activation of TRPV1 receptors is the main mechanism of action of capsaicin. Capsaicin also induces a local depletion of substance P, which is a neuropeptide involved in visceral pain signalling ; however this effect in the relief of pain remains controversial .

Toxicity

Acute oral LD50, acute dermal LD50 and acute inhalation LD50 in rat are >3000mg/kg, >2500 mg/kg, and >10000 mg/m^3, respectively . Oleoresin Capsicum is not considered to be a carcinogen. There has been no case reports or findings from studies indicating teratogenic potential of capsaicinoid .

Oleoresin Capsicum can cause serious irritation, conjunctivitis and lacrimation via contact with eyes. It induces a burning sensation and pain in case of contact with eyes and skin. As it is also irritating to the respiratory system, it causes lung irritation and coughing as well as bronchoconstriction. Other respiratory effects include laryngospasm, swelling of the larynx and lungs, chemical pneumonitis,respiratory arrest and central nervous system effects such as convulsions and excitement. In case of ingestion, gastrointestinal tract irritation may be observed along with a sensation of warmth or painful burning . Symptoms of systemic toxicity include disorientation, fear, loss of body motor control including diminished hand-eye coordination, hyperventilation, tachycardia, and pulmonary oedema . Careful early decontamination is recommended and medical intervention should be initiated for any life-threatening symptoms. In case of contact, individual must be removed from the source of exposure and the contacted skin and mucous membranes should be thoroughly washed with copious amounts of water .