Gossypol contraception and mechanism of action

Abstract

Gossypol is a yellowish polyphenolic compound found in the pigment glands of the seed, leaf, stem and root of the cotton plant, genus Gossypium, of the family Malvaceae. It was initially noted from its toxicological effects on non-ruminant animals when the livestock were fed with cottonseed meal as food supplement (Withers et al, 1915). There was renewed interest in gossypol human physiology during 1956-1959, primarily because of the potential for using the high-protein cottonseed flour, Incaparina, as a protein supplement for malnourished children and pregnant women in developing countries. Results indicated that small amounts of gossypol in food was safe for human consumption (Bressani et al., 1980). The elixir extracted from cotton root bark which contains a high concentration of gossypol has long been used traditionally in some countries as an abortifacient and menses inducer (Slocumb, 1980). Antitumour activity of gossypol on some ascites carcinoma and solid tumours was also cited (Vermel et al., 1963). Much of the information indicated that the utilization of gossypol by humans around the world has a long history.