Overview

Gossypol is a pigment that is found in certain plants, including the cotton plant. It is found in the seeds, stem, and roots. It's used as medicine.

Gossypol interferes with sperm development and function. In the cotton plant, it acts as a natural defensive chemical that can lead to infertility in insects.

People most commonly use gossypol for birth control. It is also used for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Don't confuse gossypol with cotton. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Birth control. Taking gossypol by mouth seems to reduce sperm count and function. While these effects seem to be reversible, it might lead to permanent infertility in some people.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Lung cancer. Taking gossypol by mouth doesn't help people with advanced lung cancer to live longer.
  • Prostate cancer. Taking gossypol by mouth doesn't help people with advanced prostate cancer to live longer.
There is interest in using gossypol for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Gossypol is possibly safe when used in doses of 20 mg or less daily for up to one year. But gossypol is possibly unsafe when used at higher doses or for longer than one year. Higher doses might lead to malnutrition, stomach bleeding, heart failure, and liver problems. Permanent infertility also seems to be more likely at higher doses and when used longer-term.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gossypol is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Gossypol is possibly safe when used in doses of 20 mg or less daily for up to one year. But gossypol is possibly unsafe when used at higher doses or for longer than one year. Higher doses might lead to malnutrition, stomach bleeding, heart failure, and liver problems. Permanent infertility also seems to be more likely at higher doses and when used longer-term.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gossypol is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to take gossypol by mouth during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: It is possibly unsafe to take gossypol by mouth while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): Gossypol might make low potassium levels worse. Avoid using it if you have this condition.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with GOSSYPOL

    Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with GOSSYPOL

    Gossypol can decrease potassium levels in the body. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea, which can also decrease potassium levels. Taking these products together might make potassium levels drop too low.

  • Theophylline interacts with GOSSYPOL

    Theophylline might decrease some of the effects of gossypol.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with GOSSYPOL

    Gossypol can decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking gossypol along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

Dosing

Gossypol has most often been used by adults in doses of 20 mg by mouth daily for up to 4 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.