Malvaceae
Cotton Root
Gossypium herbaceum
✗ High Risk
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Africa, South Asia
Also known as: Levant Cotton, Asiatic Cotton, Arabian Cotton
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Parts Used
RootBark
Therapeutic Uses
Historically: delayed menstruation, labor induction, male contraception (gossypol — clinical trials). NOW LARGELY DISCONTINUED due to irreversible male infertility from gossypol.
Herbal Actions
Oxytocic, emmenagogue, antifertility (male — gossypol), antiviral
Active Constituents
Gossypol (polyphenol — antifertility, primary active), flavonoids, tannins, resin, volatile oil
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | NOT RECOMMENDED |
| Tincture | AVOID — irreversible antifertility effects. Historical documentation only. |
| Notes | Gossypol (from cottonseed) was investigated as male contraceptive — caused irreversible infertility and hypokalemia. Root bark emmenagogue properties historically used. AVOID THERAPEUTIC USE — safer alternatives exist for all indications. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✗ High Risk
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: DO NOT USE. Gossypol: irreversible male infertility, hypokalemia, cardiac effects. Root bark: potent uterotonic — dangerous in pregnancy. Avoid entirely.
Side Effects: Male: irreversible infertility, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias (hypokalemia). Female: uterine hemorrhage. Toxic.