Cotton

Related Terms

Algod?n (Spanish), algod?n americano (Spanish), algod?n cimarr?n (Spanish), algodonero (Spanish), coton, cotton plant, cotton root, cotton seed, cotton seed oil, cottonier, cottonseed, cottonseed oil, dimethipin (2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethyl-1,4-dithiin 1,1,4,4-tetraoxide), fructose, G. arboreum L., G. barbadense, G. herbaceum L., G. hirsutum, glucose, glucosylceramides, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium hirsutum, gossypol, inositol, Karpasa, melezitose, mian hua gen, oligosaccharides, pectin, saccharose, thidiazuron (N-phenyl-N-1,2,3-thidiazol-5-yl-urea), trehalose, trehalulose, tribufos (S,S,S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate).
Note: This monograph focuses on the effects of Gossypium species. The particular effects of gossypol, a constituent of Gossypium and other plant species, are reviewed in detail elsewhere and will not be discussed in detail in this monograph.

Background

Gossypium hirsutum is a cotton species native to Central America and the Caribbean. After being domesticated in the United States, this cotton species now provides over 90% of commercial cotton worldwide.
The dried root bark of cotton contains gossypol. This compound may cause abortion-inducing effects. Gossypol may be isolated more easily from the bark. Other parts of the cotton plant have limited gossypol content.
Cotton has a history of use for breastfeeding, contraception, diarrhea, female reproduction, fever, headache, pregnancy, nausea, and various other applications.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Early research suggests that cotton may increase the complement components (immune system activators) in breast milk. Additional research on this topic is needed.

 C


Early research suggests that cotton may increase the complement components (immune system activators) in breast milk. Additional research on this topic is needed.

 C


Early research suggests cotton may improve the condition of hair. More high-quality research is needed.

 C


Early research suggests cotton may improve the condition of hair. More high-quality research is needed.

 C


An herbal combination containing cotton may improve malaria symptoms. More studies using cotton alone are needed.

 C


An herbal combination containing cotton may improve malaria symptoms. More studies using cotton alone are needed.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
One teaspoon of cotton-root bark has been boiled with three cups of water for 30 minutes. One to two cups of this tea have been consumed daily. Additionally, either two grams or 10 grams of a 20% cotton decoction has been taken by mouth.
Sixty milliliters of a 40% cotton seed mixture has been taken by mouth. Root bark alcoholic extracts and 2-4-milliliter liquid extracts of cotton have been taken by mouth.
For breastfeeding, a single dose of a drink containing milk, sugar, cacao, and 20 grams of cotton seed extract has been taken by mouth.
For cosmetic uses, a formula with 1% cotton honeydew extract has been applied to the hair after shampooing.
For labor induction, 1-2 teaspoons of a cotton liquid extract has been taken by mouth.
For wound care, dry and washed cotton sheets (surgical patties) have been used during surgical operations.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Cotton may interact with agents for cancer, agents for inflammation or pain relief, agents that increase urination, agents with potassium, antibiotics, antifungals, contraceptives, and iron.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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