The potential roles of gossypol as anticancer agent: advances and future directions

Gossypol, a polyphenolic aldehyde derived from cottonseed plants, has seen a transformation in its pharmaceutical application from a male contraceptive to a candidate for cancer therapy. This shift is supported by its recognized antitumor properties, which have prompted its investigation in the treatment of various cancers and related inflammatory conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of gossypol as an anticancer agent, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms, strategies to enhance its clinical efficacy, and the status of ongoing clinical evaluations.The methodological approach to this review involved a systematic search across several scientific databases including the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Scopus, and TRIP. Studies were meticulously chosen to cover various aspects of gossypol, from its chemical structure and natural sources to its pharmacokinetics and confirmed anticancer efficacy. Specific MeSH terms and keywords related to gossypol's antineoplastic applications guided the search strategy.Results from selected pharmacological studies indicate that gossypol inhibits the Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, promoting apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical trials, particularly phase I and II, reveal gossypol's promise as an anticancer agent, demonstrating efficacy and manageable toxicity profiles. The review identifies the development of gossypol derivatives and novel carriers as avenues to enhance therapeutic outcomes and mitigate adverse effects.Conclusively, gossypol represents a promising anticancer agent with considerable therapeutic potential. However, further research is needed to refine gossypol-based therapies, explore combination treatments, and verify their effectiveness across cancer types. The ongoing clinical trials continue to support its potential, suggesting a future where gossypol could play a significant role in cancer treatment protocols.

Preclinical and Clinical Evidence of Safety of Antiviral Drug with Immunomodulatory Activity

Antiviral drug Kagocel is widely used in Russia for prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infection, influenza, and herpes. The drug belongs to the group of interferon inductors. The article contains the review and analytical evaluation of safety of antiviral drug Kagocel. Kagocel is registered in the Russian Federation and some CIS countries and refers to the group of interferon inducers. This is a chemical compound of carboxymethyl cellulose and low-molecular natural polyphenol gossypol common in cotton-plant (Gossypium spp.) which protects the plant from depredators and diseases. Authors pay a special attention to the analysis and generalization of data from preclinical and clinical studies including the control of related substances. Absence of free gossypol impurities guaranteed by highly sensitive and specific quality control methods. Preclinical studies data was analyzed and the results were presented with focus on reproductive safety of Kagocel® in immature and mature animals.. No negative effect on animals’ reproductive function was revealed including spermatogenesis and generative function. No long-term product effect on reproductive system or next generations of animals was recorded both at therapeutic doses and at doses 10 times their exceeding. The safety of the drug demonstrated on data obtained from numerous clinical trials, including those involving children aged 2 years and older. Th is confirms the safety of antiviral drug Kagocel usage in clinical practice, including pediatrics.