Herb & supplement monograph

Gossypol Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Gossypol interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Gossypol is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Gossypol is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Gossypol

104 medications have a known interaction with Gossypol, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› ArmodafinilNuvigil› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic› Azilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor› Benazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT› BendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex› Bendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide› Bendroflumethiazide, PotassiumCentyl K, Neo-NaClex-K› Bendroflumethiazide, Rauwolfia SerpentinaRauzide› BenzthiazideExna› BisacodylDulcolax, Gentlax› Bisacodyl, DocusateDulcolax Laxative Tabs› Bisoprolol, HydrochlorothiazideZiac› BumetanideBurinex› Bumetanide, PotassiumBurinex K› Caffeine, Potassium Salicylate, SalicylamideTrim-Elim› Candesartan Cilexetil, HydrochlorothiazideAtacand HCT› Captopril, HydrochlorothiazideAcezide, Capozide› CasanthranolDoxidan Liquid Gels› Casanthranol, DocusateDoxidan› Casanthranol, Docusate PotassiumDialose Plus› Casanthranol, Docusate SodiumPeri-Colace› Castor Oil (otc Drug)Purge› ChlorothiazideDiuril› Chlorothiazide, MethyldopaAldochlor, Aldoclor 150, Aldoclor 250›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Gossypol combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Gossypol affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Gossypol is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 4 drug categories Gossypol interacts with
Digoxin (lanoxin)Diuretic DrugsStimulant LaxativesTheophylline
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, gossypol might increase the risk of digoxin toxicity due to the potassium-depleting effects of gossypol.
Clinical research shows that gossypol has potassium-depleting effects and can cause hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diuretic Drugs

Theoretically, gossypol might increase the risk of hypokalemia when taken with potassium-depleting diuretic drugs.
Clinical research shows that gossypol has potassium-depleting effects and can cause hypokalemia. Initiation of potassium supplementation or an increase in potassium supplement dose may be necessary for some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stimulant Laxatives

Theoretically, gossypol might increase the risk of additive potassium depletion and hypokalemia when taken with stimulant laxatives.
Clinical research shows that gossypol has potassium-depleting effects and can cause hypokalemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Theophylline

Theoretically, gossypol's male contraceptive effects might be reduced when taken with theophylline.
In vitro research shows that theophylline interferes with the ability of gossypol to decrease sperm motility.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Gossypol: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Gossypol is a toxic yellow pigment from cotton plants that has been studied mainly as an experimental male contraceptive because it can lower sperm production. It is not an approved or safe over-the-counter supplement, and it carries serious risks including possibly permanent infertility, low potassium, and organ toxicity. It should not be used for self-treatment.

Gossypol
Scientific name
Gossypium hirsutum
Family
Malvaceae
Part used
Seeds (cottonseed) and seed oil; the pigment gossypol is extracted from these
Common forms
Purified compound used in research; not commonly sold as a standardized consumer supplement
People commonly use it for
  • Male contraception (research interest)
  • Reduction of sperm production
  • Endometriosis (historical/research)
  • Antiviral and antiparasitic research
  • Cancer cell research

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Gossypol is toxic and is not approved as a safe dietary supplement.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally; gossypol seems to have abortifacient and uterine stimulant effects, avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Gossypol is a natural yellow pigment found in the seeds, stems, and roots of cotton plants (Gossypium species), which are members of the mallow family. Cotton is grown around the world mainly for its fiber and seed oil. Gossypol is one of the compounds the plant makes to defend itself against insects and other pests.

Because raw cottonseed contains gossypol, the oil sold for cooking is processed to remove most of it. Gossypol drew scientific attention decades ago when researchers noticed that men in certain regions who used crude cottonseed oil had very low sperm counts. This led to many studies on gossypol as a possible male birth control pill.

Today, gossypol is mostly a research chemical rather than a popular supplement. It is not sold widely as a safe, standardized product, and most health authorities do not recommend it for everyday use.

How it works

Gossypol appears to affect cells in several ways. In sperm, it is thought to interfere with energy-producing enzymes and the cells that help sperm mature, which lowers sperm count and movement. This is the main reason it was studied as a male contraceptive.

In laboratory research on cancer cells, gossypol has been shown to block certain proteins that help cells survive, which may push damaged cells toward self-destruction. It may also interfere with enzymes involved in cell growth and reproduction of some viruses and parasites.

It is important to understand that much of this information comes from cell and animal studies. These early findings do not prove that gossypol works safely or effectively in people.

Effectiveness

Does Gossypol work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 7 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 2 Leans ineffective 4 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Contraception
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral gossypol seems to reduce sperm count and inhibit sperm motility, suggesting that it may be an effective contraceptive. While these effects appear to be reversible in most patients, permanent infertility is possible.

Possibly Ineffective Lung cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Several clinical studies suggest that oral gossypol does not improve survival rates or reduce tumor progression in patients with advanced or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Possibly Ineffective Prostate cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research suggests that oral gossypol does not improve survival rates or prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with prostate cancer.

Also studied for 4 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral gossypol is beneficial in patients with advanced cancer.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Endometriosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in oral gossypol for endometriosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gossypol for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Head and neck cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral gossypol is beneficial in patients with head and neck cancer.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate HIV/AIDS
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in oral gossypol for HIV/AIDS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of gossypol for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Gossypol is considered toxic, and this is the main reason it is not used as a regular supplement. One of the most serious concerns is its effect on the male reproductive system, where it can lower sperm counts and, in some men, may cause permanent infertility.

Gossypol has also been linked to dangerously low potassium levels, which can cause muscle weakness and even paralysis. It may also stress the heart, liver, and kidneys, especially at higher doses.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid gossypol entirely, since it can be harmful and its effects on a baby are not well understood. Anyone with heart, liver, kidney, or potassium problems should be especially cautious. Because of these risks, gossypol should only ever be considered under direct medical supervision, and self-treatment is strongly discouraged. Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product that may contain gossypol.

Side effects

Reported side effects of gossypol include fatigue, weakness, nausea, changes in appetite, and digestive upset. Some people experience reduced sex drive.

More serious effects can include very low potassium levels (which may cause severe muscle weakness or temporary paralysis), heart rhythm problems, and possible damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys.

The most concerning long-term effect in men is reduced fertility that may not fully reverse after stopping. Because of these risks, gossypol is not considered safe for casual use.

Gossypol: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Gossypol from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, gossypol seems to be well-tolerated when used at doses below 20 mg daily, short-term. Using gossypol long-term or in doses greater than 20 mg daily may be unsafe.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Diarrhea, hypokalemia, nausea, and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: When used long-term or in high doses, circulatory problems, dermatologic toxicity, heart failure, hepatotoxicity, infertility (males), intestinal hemorrhage, and mucosal necrosis.

Reports by condition
Amenorrhea Genitourinary

Orally, gossypol-mediated damage to the testes and a reversible reduction in testicular volume has been reported. Long-term use of gossypol has also been reported to cause long-term, and potentially permanent, infertility in males. The risk of permanent infertility appears to correlate with the dose and duration of gossypol use and may be related to smaller testicular volume and elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations. Several studies have also found a limited association between gossypol use and libido loss, which occurred in conjunction with loss of sperm motility and density and was correlated with dose and time of exposure to gossypol. However, other human studies have not found this same association.

Orally, gossypol use was associated with amenorrhea in 10 of 12 patients with endometriosis.

  1. Zhong, C. Q., Lui, Q. L., Tang, Y. J., Wang, Y., Shi, F. J., and Qian, S. Z. Study on sperm function in men long after cessation of gossypol treatment. Contraception 1990;41(6):617-622.
  2. Kjaergaard, N. [Male contraception]. Ugeskr.Laeger 9-8-1986;148(37):2335-2338.
  3. Wu, D. F., Yu, Y. W., and Zheng, D. K. [Determination of (+)- and (-)-gossypol in human plasma using high performance liquid chromatography with pre-column chemical derivatization]. Yao Xue.Xue.Bao. 1988;23(12):927-932.
  4. Wu, D. F., Reidenberg, M. M., and Drayer, D. E. Determination of gossypol enantiomers in plasma after administration of racemate using high-performance liquid chromatography with precolumn chemical derivatisation. J.Chromatogr. 12-9-1988;433:141-148.
  5. Coutinho EM. Gossypol: a contraceptive for men. Contraception 2002;65:259-63.
  6. Coutinho EM, Athayde C, Atta G, et al. Gossypol blood levels and inhibition of spermatogenesis in men taking gossypol as a contraceptive. A multicenter, international, dose-finding study. Contraception 2000;61:61-7.
  7. YU, T. W. [Ultrastructural study of the testis in 22 persons based on the effect of gossypol]. Zhonghua Bing.Li Xue.Za Zhi. 1987;16(1):60-61.
  8. Glander, H. J. [Gossypol and other nonhormonal substances for the inhibition of male fertility]. Zentralbl.Gynakol. 1988;110(12):772-777.
  9. Coutinho, E. M. and Melo, J. F. Clinical experience with gossypol in non-Chinese men: a follow-up. Contraception 1988;37(2):137-151.
  10. Meade, V. Contraceptive development lags in U.S. Am.Pharm. 1990;NS30(5):22-23.
  11. Demoulin, A. [Male contraception]. Rev Med Liege 4-1-1984;39(7):266-272.
  12. Penningroth, S. M. Pharmacological basis of therapeutics: gossypol, an oral male contraceptive? J.Med.Soc.N.J. 1984;81(8):663-665.
  13. Meng, G. D., Zhu, J. C., Chen, Z. W., Wong, L. T., Zhang, G. Y., Hu, Y. Z., Ding, J. H., Wang, X. H., Qian, S. Z., Wang, C., and . Follow-up of men in the recovery period immediately after the cessation of gossypol treatment. Contraception 1988;37(2):119
  14. Meng, G. D., Zhu, J. C., Chen, Z. W., Wong, L. T., Zhang, G. Y., Hu, Y. Z., Ding, J. H., Wang, X. H., Qian, S. Z., Wang, C., and . Recovery of sperm production following the cessation of gossypol treatment: a two-centre study in China. Int.J.Androl 1988;
  15. Aitken, R. J., Liu, J., Best, F. S., and Richardson, D. W. An analysis of the direct effects of gossypol on human spermatozoa. Int.J.Androl 1983;6(2):157-167.
  16. Cao, J. and Liu, G. Z. [Reversibility of azoospermia following gossypol withdrawal]. Zhongguo Yi.Xue.Ke.Xue.Yuan Xue.Bao. 1983;5(4):227-230.
  17. Liu, G. Z. Clinical study of gossypol as a male contraceptive. Reproduccion. 1981;5(3):189-193.
  18. Gui-Yuan, Z., Meng-Chun, J., Jin-Lai, C., and Wen-Qing, Y. The effect of long-term treatment with crude cotton seed oil on pituitary and testicular function in men. Int J Androl 1989;12(6):404-410.
  19. Gu, Z. P., Mao, B. Y., Wang, Y. X., Zhang, R. A., Tan, Y. Z., Chen, Z. X., Cao, L., You, G. D., and Segal, S. J. Low dose gossypol for male contraception. Asian J.Androl 2000;2(4):283-287.
  20. Ray, S., Verma, P., and Kumar, A. Development of male-fertility-regulating agents. Med.Res.Rev. 1991;11(5):437-472.
  21. Waites, G. M., Wang, C., and Griffin, P. D. Gossypol: reasons for its failure to be accepted as a safe, reversible male antifertility drug. Int.J.Androl 1998;21(1):8-12.
  22. Taylor GT, Griffin MG, Bardgett M. Search for a male contraceptive: the effect of gossypol on sexual motivation and epididymal sperm. J Med 1991;22:29-44.
  23. Van Poznak, C., Seidman, A. D., Reidenberg, M. M., Moasser, M. M., Sklarin, N., Van Zee, K., Borgen, P., Gollub, M., Bacotti, D., Yao, T. J., Bloch, R., Ligueros, M., Sonenberg, M., Norton, L., and Hudis, C. Oral gossypol in the treatment of patients wit
  24. Liu, G. Z., Lyle, K. C., and Cao, J. Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part I. Efficacy study. Fertil.Steril. 1987;48(3):459-461.
  25. Xu, L. F., Wang, M., and Zhao, C. L. [Clinical effects and experimental study on gossypol in endometriosis]. Zhong.Xi.Yi.Jie.He.Za Zhi. 1989;9(8):462-4, 451.
Anorexia Gastrointestinal

Orally, gossypol has been reported to cause nausea in 30% of subjects, vomiting in 15% of subjects, and diarrhea in 10% of subjects in one clinical study. High doses may cause mucosal sloughing, mucosal necrosis, and intestinal hemorrhage. Gossypol has also been reported to cause anorexia, malnutrition, and altered taste sensation. One human study found an association with gossypol use and reduced appetite, while another study did not. One case of abdominal ileus that resolved when gossypol was temporarily withheld and restarted at a lower dose has also been reported. It has been observed that enteric-coated tablets might reduce the gastric side effects of gossypol.

  1. Van Poznak, C., Seidman, A. D., Reidenberg, M. M., Moasser, M. M., Sklarin, N., Van Zee, K., Borgen, P., Gollub, M., Bacotti, D., Yao, T. J., Bloch, R., Ligueros, M., Sonenberg, M., Norton, L., and Hudis, C. Oral gossypol in the treatment of patients wit
  2. Miller LG. Herbal Medicinals: Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2200-11.
  3. Coutinho EM, Athayde C, Atta G, et al. Gossypol blood levels and inhibition of spermatogenesis in men taking gossypol as a contraceptive. A multicenter, international, dose-finding study. Contraception 2000;61:61-7.
  4. Aitken, R. J., Liu, J., Best, F. S., and Richardson, D. W. An analysis of the direct effects of gossypol on human spermatozoa. Int.J.Androl 1983;6(2):157-167.
  5. Herve JC, Pluciennik F, Bastide B, et al. Contraceptive gossypol blocks cell-to-cell communication in human and rat cells. Eur J Pharmacol 1996;313:243-55.
  6. Randel, R. D., Chase, C. C., Jr., and Wyse, S. J. Effects of gossypol and cottonseed products on reproduction of mammals. J.Anim Sci. 1992;70(5):1628-1638.
  7. Wu, Y. W., Chik, C. L., and Knazek, R. A. An in vitro and in vivo study of antitumor effects of gossypol on human SW-13 adrenocortical carcinoma. Cancer Res. 7-15-1989;49(14):3754-3758.
  8. Liu, G. Z. Clinical study of gossypol as a male contraceptive. Reproduccion. 1981;5(3):189-193.
  9. Liu, G. Z., Lyle, K. C., and Cao, J. Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part I. Efficacy study. Fertil.Steril. 1987;48(3):459-461.
  10. Flack, M. R., Pyle, R. G., Mullen, N. M., Lorenzo, B., Wu, Y. W., Knazek, R. A., Nisula, B. C., and Reidenberg, M. M. Oral gossypol in the treatment of metastatic adrenal cancer. J.Clin.Endocrinol.Metab 1993;76(4):1019-1024.
  11. Qian, S. Z. and Wang, Z. G. Gossypol: a potential antifertility agent for males. Annu.Rev.Pharmacol.Toxicol. 1984;24:329-360.
Breast cancer Dermatologic

High doses of gossypol have been associated with dermatologic toxicity in patients with breast cancer.

  1. Van Poznak, C., Seidman, A. D., Reidenberg, M. M., Moasser, M. M., Sklarin, N., Van Zee, K., Borgen, P., Gollub, M., Bacotti, D., Yao, T. J., Bloch, R., Ligueros, M., Sonenberg, M., Norton, L., and Hudis, C. Oral gossypol in the treatment of patients wit
Congestive heart failure (CHF) Cardiovascular

Orally, gossypol taken at doses greater than 40 mg has been reported to cause circulatory problems and heart failure.

  1. Wu, Y. W., Chik, C. L., and Knazek, R. A. An in vitro and in vivo study of antitumor effects of gossypol on human SW-13 adrenocortical carcinoma. Cancer Res. 7-15-1989;49(14):3754-3758.
  2. Kovacic, P. Mechanism of drug and toxic actions of gossypol: focus on reactive oxygen species and electron transfer. Curr.Med.Chem. 2003;10(24):2711-2718.
Fatigue Neurologic/CNS

Orally, several studies have found a limited association between gossypol use and fatigue, while another study found no correlation.

  1. Liu, G. Z. Clinical study of gossypol as a male contraceptive. Reproduccion. 1981;5(3):189-193.
  2. Coutinho, E. M. and Melo, J. F. Clinical experience with gossypol in non-Chinese men: a follow-up. Contraception 1988;37(2):137-151.
  3. Van Poznak, C., Seidman, A. D., Reidenberg, M. M., Moasser, M. M., Sklarin, N., Van Zee, K., Borgen, P., Gollub, M., Bacotti, D., Yao, T. J., Bloch, R., Ligueros, M., Sonenberg, M., Norton, L., and Hudis, C. Oral gossypol in the treatment of patients wit
  4. Aitken, R. J., Liu, J., Best, F. S., and Richardson, D. W. An analysis of the direct effects of gossypol on human spermatozoa. Int.J.Androl 1983;6(2):157-167.
  5. Liu, G. Z., Lyle, K. C., and Cao, J. Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part I. Efficacy study. Fertil.Steril. 1987;48(3):459-461.
Hypokalemia Renal

Orally, gossypol can cause hypokalemia. Hypokalemia occurs more frequently in people with potassium-deficient diets and may be caused by renal loss of potassium. Rarely, gossypol use has been reported to cause hypokalemic paralysis.

Orally, gossypol has been reported to exhibit a toxic effect on the renal tubules that may be caused by renal leakage of potassium.

  1. Woolley, R. J. Contraception--a look forward, Part II: Mifepristone and gossypol. J.Am.Board Fam.Pract. 1991;4(2):103-113.
  2. Bushunow, P., Reidenberg, M. M., Wasenko, J., Winfield, J., Lorenzo, B., Lemke, S., Himpler, B., Corona, R., and Coyle, T. Gossypol treatment of recurrent adult malignant gliomas. J.Neurooncol. 1999;43(1):79-86.
  3. Reidenberg, M. M. Environmental inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Toxicology 4-3-2000;144(1-3):107-111.
  4. Song, D., Lorenzo, B., and Reidenberg, M. M. Inhibition of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by gossypol and bioflavonoids. J.Lab Clin.Med. 1992;120(5):792-797.
  5. Fu, Y. F., Zhang, S. L., Lu, Z. M., and Wang, W. Effects of gossypol on the activity of kidney (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and the functions of erythrocyte membrane. Contraception 1988;37(2):179-184.
  6. Fu, Y. F., Zhang, S. L., Lu, Z. M., and Wang, W. Effects of gossypol on the activity of rabbit kidney Na,K-ATPase and the functions of human erythrocyte membrane. Prog.Clin.Biol.Res. 1988;268B:385-392.
  7. Kjaergaard, N. [Male contraception]. Ugeskr.Laeger 9-8-1986;148(37):2335-2338.
  8. Bi, X. F., Ye, Y. X., Yang, H. F., and Zhang, Z. R. [Preliminary study on gossypol in causing hypokalemia (author's transl)]. Zhongguo Yi.Xue.Ke.Xue.Yuan Xue.Bao. 1981;3(3):175-178.
  9. Aitken, R. J., Liu, J., Best, F. S., and Richardson, D. W. An analysis of the direct effects of gossypol on human spermatozoa. Int.J.Androl 1983;6(2):157-167.
  10. Waites, G. M. Male fertility regulation: the challenges for the year 2000. Br.Med Bull. 1993;49(1):210-221.
  11. Reidenberg, M. M., Gu, Z. P., Lorenzo, B., Coutinho, E., Athayde, C., Frick, J., Alvarez, F., Brache, V., and Emuveyan, E. E. Differences in serum potassium concentrations in normal men in different geographic locations. Clin.Chem. 1993;39(1):72-75.
  12. Coutinho EM, Athayde C, Atta G, et al. Gossypol blood levels and inhibition of spermatogenesis in men taking gossypol as a contraceptive. A multicenter, international, dose-finding study. Contraception 2000;61:61-7.
  13. Coutinho EM. Gossypol: a contraceptive for men. Contraception 2002;65:259-63.
  14. Guo J, Reidenberg MM. Inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by bioflavonoids and their interaction with furosemide and gossypol. J Lab Clin Med 1998;132:32-8.
  15. Qian, S. Z., Jing, G. W., Wu, X. Y., Xu, Y., Li, Y. Q., and Zhou, Z. H. Gossypol related hypokalemia. Clinicopharmacologic studies. Chin Med.J.(Engl.) 1980;93(7):477-482.
  16. Wang, C. and Yeung, R. T. Gossypol and hypokalaemia. Contraception 1985;32(3):237-252.
  17. Fan, L. P., Ren, C. Q., and Hou, T. X. [Emergency treatment and care of hypokalemia paralysis due to gossypol poisoning]. Zhonghua Hu Li Za Zhi. 9-5-1995;30(9):522-525.
  18. Porat, O. Effects of gossypol on the motility of mammalian sperm. Mol.Reprod.Dev. 1990;25(4):400-408.
  19. Qian, S. Z. Gossypol-hypokalaemia interrelationships. Int.J.Androl 1985;8(4):313-324.
  20. Gao, H., Yang, Z. S., and Jin, S. X. [Primary observations on distal renal tubule acidosis in 177 cases caused by gossypol intoxication]. Zhonghua Nei Ke.Za Zhi. 1985;24(7):419-21, 447.
  21. Liu, G. Z., Lyle, K. C., and Cao, J. Experiences with gossypol as a male pill. Am.J.Obstet.Gynecol. 1987;157(4 Pt 2):1079-1081.
  22. Liu, G. Z. and Lyle, K. C. Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part II. Hypokalemia study. Fertil.Steril. 1987;48(3):462-465.
  23. Liu, G. Z. Clinical study of gossypol as a male contraceptive. Reproduccion. 1981;5(3):189-193.
Thrombocytopenia Hematologic

Orally, two cases of mild thrombocytopenia have been reported after taking high doses of gossypol.

  1. Bushunow, P., Reidenberg, M. M., Wasenko, J., Winfield, J., Lorenzo, B., Lemke, S., Himpler, B., Corona, R., and Coyle, T. Gossypol treatment of recurrent adult malignant gliomas. J.Neurooncol. 1999;43(1):79-86.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe or standardized dose of gossypol for supplement use. The doses studied in research were used under medical supervision and still carried serious risks.

Because gossypol is toxic and not approved as a dietary supplement, we cannot recommend any specific amount. If you encounter a product that lists gossypol, do not use it without first speaking to a pharmacist or doctor, and follow any professional guidance rather than a product label alone.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Gossypol & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally; gossypol seems to have abortifacient and uterine stimulant effects, avoid using.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.

Gossypol & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 53 references that drive our Gossypol monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  3. Miller LG. Herbal Medicinals: Selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2200-11.
  4. Cowart CL, London SN, Vernon MW, Pedigo NG. The effects of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, forskolin, and theophylline on motility parameters in gossypol-treated human sperm. Fertil Steril 1994;61:929-34. PubMed
  5. Coutinho EM. Gossypol: a contraceptive for men. Contraception 2002;65:259-63. PubMed
  6. Guo J, Reidenberg MM. Inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase by bioflavonoids and their interaction with furosemide and gossypol. J Lab Clin Med 1998;132:32-8.
  7. Coutinho EM, Athayde C, Atta G, et al. Gossypol blood levels and inhibition of spermatogenesis in men taking gossypol as a contraceptive. A multicenter, international, dose-finding study. Contraception 2000;61:61-7. PubMed
  8. Herve JC, Pluciennik F, Bastide B, et al. Contraceptive gossypol blocks cell-to-cell communication in human and rat cells. Eur J Pharmacol 1996;313:243-55. PubMed
  9. Taylor GT, Griffin MG, Bardgett M. Search for a male contraceptive: the effect of gossypol on sexual motivation and epididymal sperm. J Med 1991;22:29-44.
  10. Woolley, R. J. Contraception--a look forward, Part II: Mifepristone and gossypol. J.Am.Board Fam.Pract. 1991;4(2):103-113.
  11. Liu, G. Z., Lyle, K. C., and Cao, J. Clinical trial of gossypol as a male contraceptive drug. Part I. Efficacy study. Fertil.Steril. 1987;48(3):459-461. PubMed
  12. Qian, S. Z. and Wang, Z. G. Gossypol: a potential antifertility agent for males. Annu.Rev.Pharmacol.Toxicol. 1984;24:329-360. PubMed
  13. Qian, S. Z., Jing, G. W., Wu, X. Y., Xu, Y., Li, Y. Q., and Zhou, Z. H. Gossypol related hypokalemia. Clinicopharmacologic studies. Chin Med.J.(Engl.) 1980;93(7):477-482.
  14. Flack, M. R., Pyle, R. G., Mullen, N. M., Lorenzo, B., Wu, Y. W., Knazek, R. A., Nisula, B. C., and Reidenberg, M. M. Oral gossypol in the treatment of metastatic adrenal cancer. J.Clin.Endocrinol.Metab 1993;76(4):1019-1024. PubMed
  15. Bushunow, P., Reidenberg, M. M., Wasenko, J., Winfield, J., Lorenzo, B., Lemke, S., Himpler, B., Corona, R., and Coyle, T. Gossypol treatment of recurrent adult malignant gliomas. J.Neurooncol. 1999;43(1):79-86. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gossypol: Common Questions

What is Gossypol used for, and does it work?
People use Gossypol for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Gossypol for Contraception. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Gossypol interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 104 medications with a known interaction with Gossypol. Use the checker above to see how Gossypol interacts with a specific drug.
How are Gossypol interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Gossypol with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Gossypol interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Gossypol mainly known for?
Gossypol is best known as an experimental male contraceptive because it can lower sperm production. It was never widely approved due to safety concerns, including possible permanent infertility.
Is Gossypol safe to take as a supplement?
No. Gossypol is a toxic compound and is not approved or recommended as a safe over-the-counter supplement. It can cause low potassium, organ stress, and fertility problems.
Can I get Gossypol from cooking with cottonseed oil?
Commercial cottonseed oil is processed to remove most of the Gossypol, so refined oil is generally low in it. Raw or crude cottonseed products can contain harmful amounts.
Does Gossypol cause permanent infertility?
In some men studied, sperm counts did not return to normal after stopping Gossypol. Because of this risk, it is not used as a contraceptive in most countries.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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