Inhibiting herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in human epithelial cells by gossypol, a potent spermicidal and contraceptive agent

Gossypol binds to a high‐affinity binding site on human serum albumin

“…Clinical trials in China suggest that gossypol is an effective, non-steroidal, antifertility drug for men [2,3]. In addition, reports have appeared recently on the potential usefulness of gossypol as a drug against herpes simplex virus [4], Chagas disease [5] and malaria [6]. In view of the potential broad spectrum activity of gossypol as a drug, knowledge of the transport and metabolism of gossypol will be useful.…”

Toxicological effects of gossypol

“…The study also showed that when infected cells were incubated with gossypol or apogossypol no alteration in the subsequent plaque formation was observed, indicating that the antiviral effect does not occur within the cell. Gossypol-acetic acid showed a clear-cut effect on herpes simplex virus type-2 infecting culture of human amniotic epithelial cells (Wichmann et at., 1982). Gossypol inhibited the development of virus-induced cytopathic products and also inhibited the viral multiplication in these cells which were chosen to mimic the natural target cells of herpes genitalis infection in vivo (Wichmann et at., 1982).…”

Spectroscopic studies and PM3 semiempirical calculations of Schiff bases of gossypol with L‐amino acid methyl esters

“…16 Their high activity against viruses presents a new possibility to use derivatives of gossypol in the development of new kinds of antiviral drugs. [17][18][19][20] Moreover, an earlier investigation indicated that gossypol analogues may have therapeutic potential against human breast cancer. 21 The addition of amines to cottonseed causes lower toxicity of animal fodder.…”