Defense and counter-defense compositions and methods

Abstract

Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to the use of a proteinase to reduce capsaicin-induced pain sensation in a mammal. Preferably, the proteinase comprises a bromelain preparation in a liquid formulation for topical or enteral administration. In additional aspects of the inventive subject matter, a proteinase inhibitor is present in pepper spray to avoid inactivation of capsaicin by a proteinase.

1 . A composition comprising a proteinase in a formulation for oral or topical administration, wherein the proteinase is present at a concentration effective to reduce subjective pain caused by exposure to capsaicin.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the proteinase is present in the composition as part of a preparation isolated from an edible plant.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the proteinase is isolated from an edible plant.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the proteinase is bromelain.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the formulation is a liquid formulation.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 5  wherein the proteinase is present at a concentration of at least 10 GDU/ml.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein exposure of capsaicin is due to at least one of an exposure to pepper spray and inadvertent oral overdose of capsaicin.  
     
     
         8 . A kit comprising a proteinase in a formulation for oral or topical administration and an information associated with the formulation to administer the formulation to a person exposed to capsaicin.  
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 8  wherein the proteinase is present in the composition as part of a preparation isolated from an edible plant.  
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 8  wherein the proteinase is bromelain.  
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 8  wherein the formulation is a liquid.  
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 11  wherein the proteinase is present at a concentration of at least 10 GDU/ml.  
     
     
         13 . The kit of  claim 8  wherein the information is associated with at least one of a packaging and container that includes the formulation.  
     
     
         14 . The kit of  claim 8  wherein the information to administer comprises an information to orally administer or to spray the formulation.  
     
     
         15 . A method of providing relief of pain caused by exposure to capsaicin, comprising: 
 providing a proteinase in a formulation for oral or topical administration; and    providing an information to administer the formulation in an amount effective to reduce the pain.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the formulation is a liquid spray formulation.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the proteinase is present in the formulation as part of a preparation isolated from an edible plant.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the proteinase is bromelain.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the proteinase is present at a concentration of at least 10 GDU/ml.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the information is provided as a displayed information on at least one of a sales brochure, an advertisement, an infomercial, and an information printed on a container or package that includes the formulation.