Ten
Malvaceae
species were analysed for their seed and leaf gossypol content by HPLC. The results showed that gossypol is common in most of the Malvaceae family, but its concentration varies among the species and also among the varieties of the same specie. We found that
Hampea integerrina
Schldt., had two fold more gossypol in its seeds than
Gossypium hirsutum
L., from which the compound was initially isolated and its antifertility effect studied. The toxic effects of gossypol earlier observed against several parasitic protozoa and viruses makes these findings very important, since the Malvaceae specimens studied here have been used in traditional medicine against scalp infection, dysentery, gonorrhea and as antiseptic. On the other hand, it is also noteworthy that in
Hibicus sabdariffa
L., flower, traditionally used in refreshing drinks, no gossypol was detected in its seeds or leaves.
