Gossypol

Gossypol is a polyphenolic aldehyde (Fig. 1) that is an antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor. It is toxic to monogastric animals; pigs and rabbits are the most sensitive, whereas poultry are relatively more tolerant. The general symptoms of gossypol toxicity are constipation, depressed appetite, loss of weight, and death, which usually results from circulatory failure. Although acute toxicity is low, ingestion of small amounts over a prolonged period can be lethal. It is important to distinguish between free (soluble in 70-30 v/v aqueous acetone) and bound gossypol since only the former is considered to be physiologically active.