Contraceptive, male, effect gossypol

The concept of torsional asymmetry is not jnst an interesting abstract idea. Some years ago, fertility in some Chinese rnral commnnities was found to be below normal levels, and this was traced back to the presence of gossypol in dietary cottonseed oil. Gossypol acts as a male contraceptive, altering sperm matnration, spermatozoid motility, and inactivation of sperm enzymes necessary for fertilization. Extensive trials in China have shown the antifertility effect is reversible after stopping the treatment, and it has potential, therefore, as a contraceptive for men. 

The one product obtained from cottonseed oil, Gossypol which is categorized as non-hormonal selective spermatogenesis suppressant, is effective in producing azoospermia or severe oligospermia but it is not widely used as male contraceptive. Mechanism of action is not known. Adverse effects are edema, diarrhoea, hypokalemia, neuritis. 

Xue, S. (2000). A beam of dawn light of study on gossypol as a safe, effective, and reversible male antifertility contraceptive-evaluation of the studies by using low dose gossypol combined with steroid hormone for male contraception. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 22, 211-213. 

Gossypol (29, Fig. 21.14) has been evaluated as a male contraceptive. This compound also has direct effects on sperm and may have potential as a vaginal spermicide. Gossypol is active orally, but sometimes has serious side effects. In vivo tests reveal that only (- )-gossypol is active (Anon., 1984 Bingel and Fong, 1988). 

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