Gossypium

Latin name: Gossypium

  1. Common name: cotton

  2. Cultural significance/ history: In some cultures, cotton is a symbol of prosperity, purity and fertility, it is also at the center of the most exploitative production complex in history; slavery.

  3. Active ingredients: gossypol, cellulose, linoleic acid, vitamin E and caryophyllene

  4. Where its found naturally: Egypt, Africa, United States, India, Pakistan

  5. Uses/indications of cotton naturally: bark - nausea, fever, dysentery, induction of childbirth and amenorrhea, modern uses include treatment of small cell lung cancer. wool- cleaning of wounds, antibacterial, coverings

  6. Mechanism of action: cotton can be used to induce labour by stimulation of prostaglandin (especially PGF2a) release that stimulates uterine contractions, Gossypol has some antiviral activity, and has been shown to inhibit HIV-1 Reverse transcriptase, as well as inhibiting enzymes requires for RNA and DNA replication, which helps with inhibition of viral replication and prevention of excess cell proliferation. 

  7. Side effects: cramping, hypokalaemia,miscarriage

Reference list for Cotton

Refrences: RxList. (n.d.). Cotton: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions. [online] Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/cotton.htm.

Wikipedia. (2020). Gossypol. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossypol.

Left: Sample #19/43. Right: Sample #20/43