Gossypol is a natural compound from cotton plants once tested as a male contraceptive, but it proved unsafe because it can cause irreversible infertility, low potassium levels, and other toxic effects. Today, it is no longer recommended for contraception and is mainly studied for cancer therapies.
🌱 What is Gossypol?
- Source: A polyphenolic compound extracted from the seeds, roots, and stems of the cotton plant (Gossypium spp.).
- Traditional use: In China during the 1970s–80s, gossypol was tested as a non-hormonal male contraceptive.
- Mechanism: It interferes with sperm production and motility by disrupting mitochondrial function in sperm cells.
⚠️ Why It Was Abandoned
- Irreversible infertility: Some men never regained fertility after stopping gossypol.
- Hypokalemia (low potassium): Caused weakness, fatigue, and in severe cases, paralysis.
- Toxicity: Liver damage and other systemic effects were reported.
- Unpredictability: Fertility suppression varied widely among individuals.
Because of these risks, the World Health Organization and most medical authorities do not recommend gossypol for contraception.
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