Gossypol is a pigment that is found in certain plants, including the cotton plant. It is found in the seeds, stem, and roots. It's used as medicine.
Gossypol interferes with sperm development and function. In the cotton plant, it acts as a natural defensive chemical that can lead to infertility in insects.
People most commonly use gossypol for birth control. It is also used for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Don't confuse gossypol with cotton. These are not the same.
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