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(-)-Gossypol: an active male antifertility agent
Contraception
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Researchers resolved gossypol enantiomers using HPLC. The study found (-)-gossypol acts as an effective male oral antifertility agent in hamsters, contrary to previous findings for (+)-gossypol.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Reproductive Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gossypol, a natural polyphenol, has been investigated for various biological activities.
- Previous research on gossypol's antifertility effects has yielded conflicting results, potentially due to enantiomeric mixture usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To resolve the enantiomers of gossypol.
- To evaluate the specific antifertility activity of each gossypol enantiomer in a male animal model.
Main Methods:
- Preparative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was employed to separate gossypol enantiomers.
- Diastereomeric Schiff's base derivatives were synthesized for chiral separation on a specialized bonded phase column.
Main Results:
- The enantiomers of gossypol were successfully resolved.
- (-)-Gossypol demonstrated significant male oral antifertility activity in hamster studies.
- (+)-Gossypol was found to be inactive, corroborating some prior reports.
Conclusions:
- The antifertility effects of gossypol are enantiomer-specific.
- (-)-Gossypol is a promising candidate for development as a male oral contraceptive agent.