-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Gossypium spp. (Cotton)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutism

synonyms: cotton

part(s) used: root, bark

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d

toxicity: Gossypium herbaceum: 2; Gossypol (isolated component): 3

» contraindicated during pregnancy due to its oxytocic, emmenogogue, and abortifacient effects (Brinker, Felter and Lloyd, De Smet, Lust, Lewis and Elvin-Lewis, Farnsworth, Conway and Slocomb)

» contraindicated in urogenital irritation or tendency to inflammation (McGuffin)

» male sterility may result from chronic use (McGuffin)

» During administration of isolated constituent, gossypol, as a medication, a substantial loss of potassium and iron may occur. Hair discoloration has been noted, along with weakness, diarrhea, anorexia, epigastric discomfort, nausea and malnutrition. A decrease in sex drive has been reported. Circulatory problems can result in heart failure (Maugh; Westbrooks and Preacher, pp. 176-177).

» The isolated constituent, gossypol, is known to cause intoxication when ingested. Signs and symptoms include respiratory problems, weakness, convulsions, cyanosis, and death (Duke, p. 219; Fuller and McClintock, pp. 188 - 189).

» hemorrhagia, peritoneal plaques, internal visceral bleeding, pulmonary congestion, and cardiac dilation may also occur (Duke, pp. 217-218)

constituents: essential oil, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, betaine, resin, catechol and sterols

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Conway GA, Slocumb JC. 1979. Plants used as abortifacients and emmenagogues by Spanish New Mexicans. J Ethnopharm., 1:241-61.

De Smet PAGM et al. (eds.). 1993. Adverse Effects of Herbal Drugs 2, Berlin: Springer-Verlag

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.

Felter, H. W., and Lloyd, J. U. 1983. King's American Dispensatory, Vols. I and II. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lewis, W.H., and Elvin-Lewis, M.P. 1977. Medical Botany. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Westbrooks, R.G., Preacher, J. W. 1986. Poisonous Plants of North America. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

ions.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Lewis, W.H., and Elvin-Lewis, M.P. 1977. Medical Botany. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Lust, J. 1983. The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Westbrooks, R.G., Preacher, J. W. 1986. Poisonous Plants of North America. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Plants of North America. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.