Gossypol

Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound with a chemical formula (C₃₀H₃₀O₈). It is derived from cotton plant of Malvaceae family. Gossypol occurs as free and bound forms besides in a racemic mixture of (+) - and (–) - forms. Gossypol owes its toxicity to the two aldehydic groups present in the carbon chain and biological activity to the 6 phenolic hydroxyl groups. The aldehydic groups of gossypol and amino groups in cotton seed meal react to form a Schiff base. The most common toxicity is known to occur due to the liberation of oxygen from oxyhaemoglobin. Acute toxicity of gossypol produces clinical signs which include distress in respiration, weakness, anorexia, impaired body weight and even death. Heat treatment is effective in reducing the free concentration of gosyypol in cotton seed meal. However, roasting supposedly increases the bioavailability and absorption of gossypol in cotton seed meal. Recently gossypol has gained attention due to its anticancer, antioxidant, antifertility, antivirus, antimicrobial, and antimalarial activities. FDA-allowable limits of gossypol have been set to 0.045 % or 450 ppm. The United Nations Food and Agriculture and World Health Organization permit up to 0.6 μg mg^-1 (600 ppm) in edible foods.