Gossypol and hypokalaemia

One major side effect of administration of gossypol as a male fertility regulating agent is the occurrence of hypokalaemic paralysis. We have reviewed the common causes of hypokalaemia in clinical practice and previous studies of gossypol-induced hypokalaemia in animals and man. The available evidences suggest that gossypol induced renal leakage of potassium. The most likely mechanism is a direct toxic effect of gossypol on the renal tubules.