Toxicological effects of cotton seeds

Cotton a unique diet and fiber plant is produced perennially worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. It is especially found in India Southern Europe and U.S. in addition to Iraq. Cottonseed averages about 45% hull and linters and 55% kernel (Wang and Plhak 2000). Cottonseed oil is used as edible oil as vehicle for some pharmaceutical preparation and in manufacturing of soap (White 2000). High dietary intake of cottonseed oil has a negative impact on sperm cell function. Not only does cottonseed oil contain toxic pesticide residues it also contains high level of the chemical gossypol which can interfere with spermatogenesis (Waller et al.1985). If raw cottonseed oil is used in human diets it causes amenorrhea in female and impotence in male. The causes of infertility are numerous. The more common causes of infertility in both sexes are those related to the anatomical defects endocrine imbalance infection by micro-organism tubal block and antisperm antibody. The male infertility occurred when crude cottonseed oil was used for cooking (Liu and Segal 1985). In Iraq very limited reports were found on the toxicological effects of cottonseed on male reproduction.