# Gossypetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/gossypetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** 3,5,7,3',4',8-Hexahydroxyflavone, 8-Hydroxyquercetin, Gossypin aglycone, Hibiscus flavonoid, Roselle flower compound, 3,5,7,3',4',8-Hexahydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one ## Overview Gossypetin is a hexahydroxyflavone flavonoid found naturally in hibiscus flowers and roselle, distinguished by a hydroxyl group at the 8-position of its flavone backbone. It exerts anticancer and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects primarily by inhibiting MKK3/MKK6 protein kinases and inducing apoptotic and autophagic cell death pathways. ## Health Benefits • Induces apoptosis and autophagic cell death in prostate cancer cells (in vitro evidence). • Inhibits MKK3/MKK6 protein kinases, suppressing esophageal cancer growth (in vitro evidence). • Attenuates the MKK3/6-p38 signaling pathway, offering potential anticancer activity (in vitro evidence). • Exhibits [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties, contributing to cellular protection (in vitro evidence). • Displays antibacterial activity, supporting potential therapeutic applications (in vitro evidence). ## Mechanism of Action Gossypetin inhibits the dual-specificity protein kinases MKK3 and MKK6, thereby suppressing downstream p38 MAPK signaling, a pathway involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival. It also triggers caspase-dependent apoptosis and beclin-1-mediated autophagic cell death in cancer cell lines, particularly prostate and esophageal cancer models. Additionally, its six hydroxyl groups confer potent free-radical scavenging activity by donating hydrogen atoms to [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), positioning it as a direct antioxidant compound. ## Clinical Summary Research on gossypetin remains predominantly preclinical, with the bulk of evidence derived from in vitro cell culture studies using prostate cancer (LNCaP, PC-3) and esophageal cancer cell lines. These studies demonstrate dose-dependent suppression of tumor cell growth and induction of apoptosis, but no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been published to date. Animal model data are limited and have not yet established effective or safe dosing ranges for humans. The overall evidence base is early-stage, and conclusions about efficacy in humans cannot be drawn from current data. ## Nutritional Profile Gossypetin is a pure polyphenolic flavonoid compound (specifically a flavonol), not a whole food ingredient, so conventional macronutrient or micronutrient profiling (calories, protein, fat, fiber) is not applicable. Molecular formula: C15H10O8; molecular weight: 318.23 g/mol. It is structurally characterized as 3,5,7,8,3',4'-hexahydroxyflavone, distinguished from quercetin by an additional hydroxyl group at the 8-position on the A-ring, which confers enhanced [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) radical-scavenging capacity. Gossypetin is naturally found in cottonseed (Gossypium species) flowers and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) at trace concentrations typically in the range of 0.1–2 mg/g dry weight of plant material, often occurring as glycosides (e.g., gossypetrin, gossypetin-3-glucoside). Bioactive concentration as an isolated compound in experimental studies typically ranges from 10–100 µM in in vitro models. Bioavailability: As a free aglycone, intestinal absorption is limited due to poor aqueous solubility; glycosylated forms may improve bioavailability via intestinal hydrolysis by beta-glucosidases. No established dietary reference intake or recommended dose exists. It does not contribute meaningful vitamins, minerals, fiber, or macronutrients as an isolated compound. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available, as there are no human trials documented. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No established safe dosage range for gossypetin in humans has been defined through clinical trials, making supplementation guidance speculative. Because gossypetin inhibits p38 MAPK signaling, theoretical interactions exist with immunosuppressants, chemotherapy agents, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs that share overlapping pathways. Its potent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) may also interfere with pro-oxidant chemotherapy regimens if taken concurrently. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid gossypetin supplementation entirely due to the complete absence of human safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been identified. The evidence is limited to in vitro studies; no PMIDs are available. ## Historical & Cultural Context There are no documented historical or traditional medicinal uses of gossypetin in the sources provided. Its presence is noted as a natural plant metabolite. ## Synergistic Combinations Curcumin, Quercetin, Resveratrol, Green tea extract, Vitamin C ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is gossypetin and where does it come from? Gossypetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid classified as a hexahydroxyflavone, meaning it carries six hydroxyl groups on its polyphenolic structure, including a distinctive group at the C-8 position. It is found primarily in hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa), cotton plant pollen (Gossypium species), and roselle, where it contributes to pigmentation and plant defense. It is not commonly available as a standardized isolated supplement and is most often consumed as part of hibiscus-based teas or extracts. ### Can gossypetin kill cancer cells? In vitro studies show gossypetin can induce apoptosis and autophagic cell death in prostate cancer cell lines such as LNCaP and PC-3, and suppress esophageal cancer cell growth by inhibiting MKK3/MKK6 kinases and the downstream p38 MAPK pathway. These effects have been observed in controlled laboratory settings at specific concentrations and have not been replicated in human clinical trials. Gossypetin should not be considered a cancer treatment, and its anticancer potential in humans remains unproven. ### What does gossypetin do to MKK3 and MKK6? Gossypetin acts as a direct inhibitor of MKK3 (MAP kinase kinase 3) and MKK6 (MAP kinase kinase 6), two upstream activators of the p38 MAPK signaling cascade. By blocking these kinases, gossypetin attenuates phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, which reduces downstream signaling involved in inflammatory cytokine production and cancer cell survival. This MKK3/6-p38 inhibition is considered gossypetin's primary documented molecular mechanism of action in esophageal cancer models. ### Is gossypetin safe to take as a supplement? No human clinical safety data currently exist for isolated gossypetin supplementation, so no evidence-based dosage or safety profile has been established. Animal and in vitro toxicity data are insufficient to extrapolate safe human doses. Individuals taking anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, or undergoing chemotherapy should exercise particular caution due to theoretical pathway interactions, and consultation with a healthcare provider is strongly recommended before use. ### How does gossypetin compare to other flavonoids like quercetin? Gossypetin differs structurally from quercetin by possessing an additional hydroxyl group at the C-8 position, giving it six total hydroxyl groups compared to quercetin's five, which may enhance its free-radical scavenging capacity. While quercetin has a substantially larger body of human clinical evidence supporting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, gossypetin's research is confined almost entirely to in vitro models. Both compounds share inhibitory activity against certain kinases, but gossypetin's specific MKK3/MKK6 inhibition profile distinguishes its mechanistic focus from the broader JAK/STAT and NF-κB targets associated with quercetin research. ### What food sources contain gossypetin naturally? Gossypetin is naturally found in cotton plants (Gossypium species), particularly in cotton seed oil and cotton seed extracts, though it is not commonly present in typical dietary foods. Small amounts may be present in some plant-based foods, but gossypetin is primarily obtained through supplement formulations rather than diet alone. Food sources are generally insufficient to achieve the concentrations studied in research for potential health benefits. ### How strong is the current scientific evidence for gossypetin's anticancer effects? Current evidence for gossypetin's anticancer activity is limited to in vitro (laboratory cell culture) studies, which demonstrate apoptosis induction and signaling pathway inhibition but do not yet prove efficacy in human patients. No clinical trials in humans have been conducted to date, meaning claims about cancer treatment remain preliminary and unproven. While the mechanistic data is promising, much more research including animal studies and human trials would be needed before gossypetin can be recommended as a cancer therapy. ### Is gossypetin safe for children, pregnant women, and the elderly? Safety data specifically evaluating gossypetin use in children, pregnant women, and the elderly is not available, as human safety studies have not been conducted. Pregnant women should avoid gossypetin supplements until safety is established, given the lack of toxicology data during pregnancy and lactation. Older adults and children should consult healthcare providers before use, as individual health conditions and potential interactions cannot be assessed without clinical evidence. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*