Ten Malvaceae species were analysed for their seed and leaf gossypol content by HPLC.The results showed that gossypol is common in most of the Malvaceae family, but its concentration varies among the species and also among the varieties of the same specie. We found that Hampea integerrina Schldt., had two fold more gossypol in its seeds than Gossypium hirsutum L., from which the compound was initially isolated and its antifertility effect studied. The toxic effects of gossypol earlier observed against several parasitic protozoa and viruses makes these findings very important, since the Malvaceae specimens studied here antiseptic. On the other hand, it is also noteworthy that in Hibicus sabdariffa L., flower, traditionally used in refreshing drinks, no gossypol was detected in its seeds or leaves.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.