Bioactivities of gossypol, 6-methoxygossypol, and 6,6'-dimethoxygossypol

The potential roles of gossypol as anticancer agent: advances and future directions

Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in its pharmaceutical application from a male contraceptive to a candidate for cancer therapy. This shift is supported by its recognized antitumor properties, which have prompted its investigation in the treatment of various cancers and related inflammatory conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of gossypol as an anticancer agent, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms, strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy, and the status of ongoing clinical evaluations.The methodological approach to this review involved a systematic search across several scientific databases including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Scopus, and TRIP. Studies were meticulously chosen to cover various aspects of gossypol, from its chemical structure and natural sources to its pharmacokinetics and confirmed anticancer efficacy. Specific MeSH terms and keywords related to gossypol's antineoplastic applications guided the search strategy.Results from selected pharmacological studies indicate that gossypol inhibits the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical trials, particularly phase I and II, reveal gossypol's promise as an anticancer agent, demonstrating efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles. The review identifies the development of gossypol derivatives and novel carriers as avenues to enhance therapeutic outcomes and mitigate adverse effects.Conclusively, gossypol represents a promising anticancer agent with considerable therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to refine gossypol-based therapies, explore combination treatments, and verify their effectiveness across cancer types. The ongoing clinical trials continue to support its potential, suggesting a future where gossypol could play a significant role in cancer treatment protocols.

Gossypol improves myocardial dysfunction caused by sepsis by regulating histone acetylation

Gossypol is a polyphenol from the cotton plant with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation activities and can also function as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Sepsis is an inflammatory disease with high mortality. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and epigenetic factors are involved in sepsis and its complications. The biological activities of gossypol strongly suggest the potential effects of gossypol on sepsis. In the present study, the beneficial effects of gossypol on sepsis were evaluated. We established a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model of sepsis and treated CLP mice with gossypol. The survival rate, serum level of myocardial injury markers, and myocardial level of oxidation markers were measured. We also administered gossypol to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated primary cardiomyocytes. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of protein kinase B (AKT) and IκB kinase (IKK), acetylation of histone, and expression of HDACs were measured. Gossypol prevented the death of CLP mice and ameliorated myocardial damage in CLP mice. Moreover, gossypol decreased oxidative factors, while promoting antioxidant production in CLP mice. Gossypol prevented LPS and cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressed LPS-induced activation of AKT and IKK, inhibited histone acetylation, and decreased the expression of HDACs. In conclusion, gossypol ameliorates myocardial dysfunction in mice with sepsis.

Luteolin peracetate and gossypolone inhibit immune complex-mediated neutrophil activation in vitro and dermal-epidermal separation in an ex vivo model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Introduction

Natural products have been shown to an important source of therapeutics for human disease. In this study, we aimed to identify natural compounds as potential therapeutics for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies to type VII collagen (COL7).

Methods

Utilizing an in vitro experimental system, we screened a natural product library composed of 800 pure compounds for their inhibitory effect on COL7-anti-COL7 IgG immune complex (IC)-mediated neutrophil activation and on neutrophil-mediated tissue damage.

Results

Three natural compounds, namely luteolin peracetate, gossypol, and gossypolone were capable in inhibiting the IC-induced neutrophil adhesion and oxygen burst in vitro. Furthermore, luteolin peracetate and gossypolone were able to inhibit the anti-COL7 IgG induced dermal-epidermal separation in an ex vivo model for EBA.

Discussion

In summary, this study demonstrates that luteolin peracetate and gossypolone are potential therapeutics for experimental EBA, which deserves further investigation.

Gossypol and Its Natural Derivatives: Multitargeted Phytochemicals as Potential Drug Candidates for Oncologic Diseases

Despite the vast amounts of research and remarkable discoveries that have been made in recent decades, cancer remains a leading cause of death and a major public health concern worldwide. Gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the seeds, roots, and stems of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), was first used as a male contraceptive agent. Due to its diverse biological properties, including antifertility, antiviral, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimalarial, and most notably antitumor activities, gossypol has been the subject of numerous studies. Nevertheless, no systematic review has been performed that analyzes the antineoplastic potential of gossypol and related natural compounds in an organ-specific manner while delineating the molecular mechanisms of action. Hence, we have performed an extensive literature search for anticancer properties of gossypol and their natural derivatives against various types of cancer cells utilizing PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The sources, distribution, chemical structure, and toxicity of gossypol and its constituents are briefly reviewed. Based on emerging evidence, gossypol and related compounds exhibit significant antineoplastic effects against various cancer types through the modulation of different cancer hallmarks and signaling pathways. Additionally, the synergistic activity of gossypol and its derivatives with chemotherapeutic agents has been observed. Our evaluation of the current literature suggests the potential of gossypol and its derivatives as multitargeting drug candidates to combat multiple human malignancies.

Gossypol Induces Apoptosis of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells via CHOP/Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway

Gossypol, a natural phenolic aldehyde present in cotton plants, was originally used as a means of contraception, but is currently being studied for its anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on various cancers. However, the intracellular mechanism of action regarding the effects of gossypol on pancreatic cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of gossypol on human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3 and MIA PaCa-2). Cell counting kit-8 assays, annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays, and transmission electron microscopy showed that gossypol induced apoptotic cell death and apoptotic body formation in both cell lines. RNA sequencing analysis also showed that gossypol increased the mRNA levels of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in pancreatic cancer cell lines. In addition, gossypol facilitated the cleavage of caspase-3 via protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), CHOP, and Bax/Bcl-2 upregulation in both cells, whereas the upregulation of ATF was limited to BxPC-3 cells. Finally, a three-dimensional culture experiment confirmed the successful suppression of cancer cell spheroids via gossypol treatment. Taken together, our data suggest that gossypol may trigger apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via the PERK-CHOP signaling pathway. These findings propose a promising therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer treatment using gossypol.

Structure, properties of gossypol and its derivatives-from physiological activities to drug discovery and drug design

Covering up to 2022Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound isolated from cottonseed. There are two optical enantiomers of gossypol, (-)-gossypol and (+)-gossypol. Gossypol exists as three different tautomers, aldehyde, ketone and lactol. Gossypol is toxic and provides a protective mechanism for cotton plants against pests. Gossypol was used as a male contraceptive in China in the 1970s. It was eventually abandoned due to noticeable side effects, disruption of potassium uptake and incomplete reversibility. Gossypol has gained considerable research interest due to its attractive biological activities, especially antitumor and antivirus. Gossypol derivatives are prepared by a structural modification to reduce toxicity and improve their therapeutic effect. This review depicts the bioactivity and regulation mechanisms of gossypol and its derivatives as drug lead compounds, with emphasis on its antitumor mechanism. The design and synthesis of pharmacologically active derivatives based on the structure of gossypol, such as gossypol Schiff bases, apogossypol, gossypolone, are thoroughly discussed. This review aims to serve as a reference for gossypol-based drug discovery and drug design.

The influence of Bt cotton cultivation on the structure and functions of the soil bacterial community by soil metagenomics

Bt cotton successfully controlled major devastating pests in cotton，such as Helicoverpa armigera and Spodoptera exigua, and led to a drastic decrease in insecticide use in cotton fields, and it has been grown commercially worldwide. However, Bt cotton cultivation left Bt toxin residues in the soil, resulting in a response by its microbiome that caused potential environmental risks. In this research, the metagenomics analysis was performed to investigate the structure and functions of the soil bacterial community in the Bt cotton field from the Binzhou, Shandong province of China, where the Bt cotton has been cultivated for over fifteen years. Analysis of the function genes proved that the receptors of Bt toxins were absent in the soil bacteria and Bt toxins failed to target the soil bacteria. The microbiome structure and function were highly influenced by Bt cotton cultivation, however, no significant change in the total abundance of the bacteria was observed. Proteobacteria was the largest taxonomic group in the soil bacterial (42-52%) and its abundance was significantly increased after Bt cotton cultivation. The increase of Proteobacteria abundance resulted in an increase in ABC transporters gene abundance, indicating the improved ability of detoxification metabolism over Bt cotton cultivation. Xanthomonadales could be a biomarker of the Bt cotton group, whose abundance was significantly increased to contribute to the increase of the genes abundance in ABC transporters. The abundance of apoptosis genes was significantly decreased, and it might be related to the increase of Proteobacteria abundance by Bt cotton cultivation. In addition, Myxococcales was responsible for carotenoid biosynthesis, whoes genes abundance was significantly decreased due to the decrease of Myxococcales abundance by Bt cotton cultivation. These changes in soil bacterial community structure and functions indicate the influence by Bt cotton cultivation, leading to an understanding of the bacteria colonization patterns due to successive years of Bt cotton cultivation. These research results should be significant for the rational risk assessment of Bt cotton cultivation.

Intramolecular Annulation of Gossypol by Laccase to Produce Safe Cottonseed Protein

The presence of the phenol gossypol has severely limited the utilization of cottonseed meal and oil in the food and animal feed industries. Highly efficient means of biodegradation of gossypol and an understanding of the cytotoxicity of its degradation products remain outside current knowledge and are of universal interest. In this work, we showed for the first time that laccase can catalyze the intramolecular annulation of the aldehyde and hydroxyl groups of gossypol for the o-semiquinone radical and originate the released ·OH radical. It was further found that the oxidation of aldehyde groups significantly decreases reproductive toxicity and hepatotoxicity. These results indicate a novel detoxification pathway for gossypol and reveal the crucial role played by radical species in cyclization. This discovery could facilitate the development of safe, convenient, and low-cost industrial methods for the detoxification of cotton protein and oil resources.

Effect of maternal cottonseed feed on the immune and antioxidant status of Santa Ines lambs

Cottonseed has been used as a nutritional alternative in animal production. However, consequences of this nutrient in the progeny is not well characterized. Thus, this work evaluated the effect on the immune and antioxidant status of the progeny of feeding Santa Ines ewe with or without cottonseed. Twenty-four Santa Ines ewes were distributed in two feeding regimes: cottonseed (CS) concentrate (n = 12) and soybean (SB) concentrate (n = 12). After birth, lambs remained with their mothers and blood samples were collected at 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 15^th, 30^th and 60^th day of life of 24 lambs born from mothers fed with (CS, n = 12) or without (SB, n = 12) cottonseed. Serum total protein, albumin, alpha beta globulin, gamma globulin, immunoglobulin G and M, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and variables related to iron metabolism were affected only by sampling times (P < 0.05). The concentration of serum total protein, alpha beta globulin, gamma globulin and immunoglobulin G and M, GPx activity and ORAC values decreased as lamb age increased. Serum albumin concentration and CAT activity, in turn, increased as lamb age increased. In this work, maternal feeding with cottonseed did not affect the serum protein profile and antioxidant status of progeny during the lactation period, indicating no transfer of gossypol effects by milk secretions. Thus, the alternative in ruminants feeding with cottonseed can be used without maternal-descendant effects to immunity and oxidative stress in lambs.

What Has Come out from Phytomedicines and Herbal Edibles for the Treatment of Cancer?

Several modern treatment strategies have been adopted to combat cancer with the aim of minimizing toxicity. Medicinal plant-based compounds with the potential to treat cancer have been widely studied in preclinical research and have elicited many innovations in cutting-edge clinical research. In parallel, researchers have eagerly tried to decrease the toxicity of current chemotherapeutic agents either by combining them with herbals or in using herbals alone. The aim of this article is to present an update of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, or mere changes in the bioactive compounds, along with herbal edibles, which display efficacy against diverse cancer cells and in anticancer therapy. It describes the basic mechanism(s) of action of phytochemicals used either alone or in combination therapy with other phytochemicals or herbal edibles. This review also highlights the remarkable synergistic effects that arise between certain herbals and chemotherapeutic agents used in oncology. The anticancer phytochemicals used in clinical research are also described; furthermore, we discuss our own experience related to semisynthetic derivatives, which are developed based on phytochemicals. Overall, this compilation is intended to facilitate research and development projects on phytopharmaceuticals for successful anticancer drug discovery.

Physicochemical, technological and sensory properties of hamburger made with meat from lambs fed on whole cottonseed

The physicochemical composition and the technological and sensory properties of hamburgers made with meat from Ile de France lambs fed on different levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%) of whole cottonseed were studied. The addition of whole cottonseed to the lambs' diets decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the lamb meat and altered the physicochemical characteristics of the hamburgers, which were characterised by low lipid ( y^=4.27 ), cholesterol ( y^=75.15 ) and caloric content ( y^=122.04 ). The results regarding cooking characteristics were directly related to the microscopic observations regarding the hamburgers; the more cohesive structures exhibited better performance after cooking, with increased cooking yield and moisture retention, and decreased cooking loss. The levels of whole cottonseed did not influence the texture profile, but they negatively affected the acceptability of the hamburgers, since as the levels of cotton seedlings increased, the scores for the sensorial attributes decreased. Thus, a maximum inclusion of 16.7% of whole cottonseed in the dry matter of the diet of lambs is recommended.

Using Hairy Roots for Production of Valuable Plant Secondary Metabolites

Plants synthesize a wide variety of natural products, which are traditionally termed secondary metabolites and, more recently, coined specialized metabolites. While these chemical compounds are employed by plants for interactions with their environment, humans have long since explored and exploited plant secondary metabolites for medicinal and practical uses. Due to the tissue-specific and low-abundance accumulation of these metabolites, alternative means of production in systems other than intact plants are sought after. To this end, hairy root culture presents an excellent platform for producing valuable secondary metabolites. This chapter will focus on several major groups of secondary metabolites that are manufactured by hairy roots established from different plant species. Additionally, the methods for preservations of hairy roots will also be reviewed.

Drug discovery and human African trypanosomiasis: a disease less neglected?

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) has been neglected for a long time. The most recent drug to treat this disease, eflornithine, was approved by the US FDA in 2000. Current treatments exhibit numerous problematic side effects and are often ineffective against the debilitating CNS resident stage of the disease. Fortunately, several partnerships and initiatives have been formed over the last 20 years in an effort to eradicate HAT, along with a number of other neglected diseases. This has led to an increasing number of foundations and research institutions that are currently working on the development of new drugs for HAT and tools with which to diagnose and treat patients. New biochemical pathways as therapeutic targets are emerging, accompanied by increasing numbers of new antitrypanosomal compound classes. The future looks promising that this collaborative approach will facilitate eagerly awaited breakthroughs in the treatment of HAT.

Growth inhibitory effects of gossypol and related compounds on fungal cotton root pathogens

The effect of the terpenoids gossypol, 6-methoxygossypol, 6,6'-dimethoxygossypol, gossypolone and apogossypolone on growth of fungal soil pathogens was investigated. The compounds were tested at a concentration of 100 μg ml(-1) in a Czapek Dox agar medium at 25°C. Gossypol, gossypolone and apogossypolone demonstrated strong growth inhibitory activity (≥90%) against Pythium irregulare, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium oxysporum. These same terpenoids provided good growth inhibition against most Rhizoctonia solani isolates. Methylated gossypol derivatives generally yielded reduced growth inhibition against the tested fungi compared with gossypol. Dose-response effects of gossypol, gossypolone and apogossypolone were determined over a concentration range of 5-100 μg ml(-1) against P. irregulare CR1, P. ultimum ATCC 56081 and R. solani CR15. At lower concentrations, gossypol proved to be a more potent growth inhibitor of P. irregulare (ED50  = 4 μg ml(-1) ) and P. ultimum (ED50  = 13·2 μg ml(-1) ) than the other tested compounds. Rhizoctonia solani CR15 was more resistant to growth inhibitory effects of all tested terpenoids (ED50  = 35-43 μg ml(-1) ).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work demonstrates that gossypol is an effective natural antimicrobial agent against a wide range of potential fungal pathogens of cotton. Relative to gossypol, methylated gossypol derivatives that are also found naturally in root tissue were less effective at inhibiting the growth of soil fungal pathogens. However, by virtue of their significant concentration in root tissue, they still may contribute to cotton defence.

Roles of plant extracts and constituents in cervical cancer therapy

Cervical cancer is a major health problem worldwide and is the most frequent cause of cancer in women in India. Early detection and affordable drugs with clinical efficacy have to go hand-in-hand in order to comprehensibly address this serious health challenge. Plant-based drugs with potent anticancer effects should add to the efforts to find a cheap drug with limited clinical side effects. Keeping this very purpose in mind, an attempt has been made in this review to explore the potential of plant extracts or constituents known to exhibit antitumorigenic activity or exert cytotoxic effect in human cervical carcinoma cells. Alkaloids such as those isolated from C. vincetoxicum and T. Tanakae, naucleaorals A and B, isolated from the roots of N. orientalis, (6aR)-normecambroline, isolated from the bark of N. dealbata appear promising in different human cervical carcinoma cells with the IC50 of 4.0-8 μg/mL. However, other compounds such as rhinacanthone and neolignans isolated from different plants are not far behind and kill cervical cancer cells at a very low concentrations. Among plant extracts or its constituents that enhance the effect of known anticancer drugs, noni, derived from the plant M. citrifolia perhaps is the best candidate. The cytotoxic potency and apoptotic index of cisplatin was found to significantly enhanced in combination with noni in different human cervical carcinoma cells and it therefore holds significance as promising herbal-based anticancer agent. However, efficacy needs to be further investigated in various cervical cell lines and more importantly, in in vivo cervical cancer models for possible use as an alternative and safe anticancer drug.

Therapeutic potential of gossypol: an overview

CONTEXT

Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and beverages. Polyphenols occupy a unique place in biological science for their pharmacological properties. Gossypol is a polyphenolic compound that has attracted attention because of its biological effects.

OBJECTIVE

Gossypol is reported to exhibit antifertility, antioxidant, anticancer, antivirus, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial properties and lower plasma cholesterol. These are summarized with attention to the mechanisms of activity.

METHODS

This review summarizes the results of studies obtained in a comprehensive search of ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scirus, and Web of Science.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The results of these studies provide a comprehensive understanding of the biological action of gossypol and its potential for the prevention of and therapy for resistant tumors and chronic human diseases such as HIV, malaria, and psoriasis.

Dirigent proteins: molecular characteristics and potential biotechnological applications

Dirigent proteins (DIRs) are thought to play important roles in plant secondary metabolism. They lack catalytic activity but direct the outcome of bimolecular coupling reactions toward regio- and stereospecific product formation. Functionally described DIRs confer specificity to the oxidative coupling of coniferyl alcohol resulting in the preferred production of either (+)- or (-)-pinoresinol, which are the first intermediates in the enantiocomplementary pathways for lignan biosynthesis. DIRs are extracellular glycoproteins with high β-strand content and have been found in all land plants investigated so far. Their ability to capture and orientate radicals represents a unique naturally evolved concept for the control of radical dimerization reactions. Although oxidative coupling is commonly used in biological systems, its wider application in chemical synthesis is often limited by insufficient selectivity. This minireview gives an overview of functionally described DIRs and their molecular characteristics and wants to inspire further research for their use in biotechnological applications.

Vibrational spectra, structure and antioxidant activity of gossypol imine derivatives

The structures and tautomeric equilibria of natural polyphenol gossypol and four its imine derivatives were studied by FT-IR-, NMR-spectroscopy and quantum chemistry methods. It was shown that gossypol Schiff bases exist in solution as enamine-enamine tautomer and hydrazones as imine-imine tautomer. Infrared absorption spectra of studied compounds were simulated using the PM3 method. The fundamental vibrational frequencies were evaluated using various scale factors which yield a good agreement between observed and calculated frequencies. Free radical scavenging activity of gossypol and its imine derivatives was evaluated using DPPH method. Antioxidant activity of studied compounds was characterized. Gossypol hydrazones were shown to be more efficient, while Schiff base to be less efficient as antioxidants in comparison with gossypol itself.

Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde from cotton plant, interferes with swine granulosa cell function

Gossypol is a polyphenol isolated from the seed, roots and stem of cotton plant (Gossypium sp.) It has been associated with adverse effects on female reproduction, but recently also shown having promising effects against several malignancies. Its mechanisms of action are however still not fully understood. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the effect of 5 or 25 microg/mL gossypol on swine granulosa cell steroidogenic activity, redox status and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production. Study demonstrated that gossypol significantly (P<0.001) inhibited granulosa cell estradiol 17beta and progesterone production, an effect that could be at least partially mediated by an increase (P<0.05) of nitric oxide and superoxide anion production as a consequence of superoxide dismutase inhibition. Moreover, gossypol stimulates (P<0.001) VEGF production. In conclusion, study has demonstrated effects of gossypol on swine granulosa cell function in vitro. Effects on female swine fertility can not be excluded.

In vitro ultramorphological assessment of apoptosis induced by zerumbone on (HeLa)

Zerumbone (ZER), a potential anticancer compound, isolated from the fresh rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet. In this investigation, the cytotoxic properties of ZER were evaluated, on cancer cells of human cervix (HeLa), breast and ovary, and normal cells of Chinese Hamster ovary, using MTT assay. Apoptogenic effects of ZER on HeLa were studied using fluorescence microscopy (AO/PI double staining), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and colorimetric assay of the apoptosis promoter enzyme, caspase-3. The results of MTT assay showed that ZER has less effect on normal cells compared to cancer cells. The lowest IC(50) of ZER was observed on HeLa cells. Cytological observations showed nuclear and chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, multinucleation, abnormalities of mitochondrial cristae, membrane blebbing, holes, cytoplasmic extrusions and formation of apoptotic bodies as confirmed collectively by double staining of AO/PI, SEM and TEM. Statistical analysis (two-tailed t-test) of differential counting of 200 cells under fluorescence microscope revealed significant difference in apoptotic cells populations between treated and untreated HeLa cells. In addition, ZER has increased the cellular level of caspase-3 on the treated HeLa cells. It could be concluded that ZER was able to produce distinctive morphological features of cell death that corresponds to apoptosis.

In vitro ultramorphological assessment of apoptosis induced by zerumbone on (HeLa)

Zerumbone (ZER), a potential anticancer compound, isolated from the fresh rhizomes of Zingiber zerumbet. In this investigation, the cytotoxic properties of ZER were evaluated, on cancer cells of human cervix (HeLa), breast and ovary, and normal cells of Chinese Hamster ovary, using MTT assay. Apoptogenic effects of ZER on HeLa were studied using fluorescence microscopy (AO/PI double staining), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and colorimetric assay of the apoptosis promoter enzyme, caspase-3. The results of MTT assay showed that ZER has less effect on normal cells compared to cancer cells. The lowest IC₅₀ of ZER was observed on HeLa cells. Cytological observations showed nuclear and chromatin condensation, cell shrinkage, multinucleation, abnormalities of mitochondrial cristae, membrane blebbing, holes, cytoplasmic extrusions and formation of apoptotic bodies as confirmed collectively by double staining of AO/PI, SEM and TEM. Statistical analysis (two-tailed t-test) of differential counting of 200 cells under fluorescence microscope revealed significant difference in apoptotic cells populations between treated and untreated HeLa cells. In addition, ZER has increased the cellular level of caspase-3 on the treated HeLa cells. It could be concluded that ZER was able to produce distinctive morphological features of cell death that corresponds to apoptosis.

Gossypol--a polyphenolic compound from cotton plant

Gossypol (C(30)H(30)O(8)) is a polyphenolic compound derived from the cotton plant (genus Gossypium, family Malvaceae). The presence of six phenolic hydroxyl groups and two aldehydic groups makes gossypol chemically reactive. Gossypol can undergo Schiff base formation, ozonolysis, oxidation, and methylation to form gossypol derivatives. Gossypol and its derivatives have been the target of much research due to their multifaceted biological activities including antifertility, antivirus, anticancer, antioxidant, antitrypanosomal, antimicrobial, and antimalarial activities. Because of restricted rotation of the internaphthyl bond, gossypol is a chiral compound, which has two atropisomers (i.e., (+)- and (-)-gossypol) that exhibit different levels of biological activities. This chapter covers the physiochemical properties, analyses, biological properties, and agricultural and clinical implications of gossypol.