Pyrethroid is a synthetic version of pyrethrin, which naturally occurs in pyrethrum. The oleoresin extract of pyrethrum is extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. The insecticidal properties of these products are derived from pyrethrin, which is highly lipophilic, has a rapid penetration rate, and paralyzes insects as quickly as it penetrates. A pyrethroid can be classified into two types: a first-generation pyrethroid (Type I) and a second-generation pyrethroid (Type II) These toxins affect the central nervous system in both intended and unintended organisms. They work by interfering with the normal function of voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve cells. Specifically, they act as axonic excitotoxins, meaning they disrupt the signals that travel along nerves. By keeping these channels open, the toxins prevent nerve cells from resetting properly, leading to continuous nerve activation. This ultimately results in paralysis, as the affected nerves can no longer function normally. Pyrethroid is known to cause growth retardation, liver enlargement, increased liver enzyme activity, immune suppression, and neurological damage in mammals.

There has been a remarkable rise in the production, sale, and use of this class of pesticides in India. This has led to a shift in the pesticide usage pattern and instances of poisoning and suicidal and homicidal use of pyrethroids. This review study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of pyrethroids in India and also attempts to quantitate the number of poisoning cases related to pyrethroids in India during the period 2018-2024. This study can aid in understanding the extent of usage and instances of poisoning and help understand its future outlook.