No, this is not one of my humour posts. This is quite serious. 🙂

Gossypin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory flavone extracted from Hibiscus vitifolius, also known as tropical rose mallow, a perennial shrub. In 1978, this flavone (see: http://tinyurl.com/2gdp5l) was found to be effective against arthritis. It was compared to the standard nonsteroid anti-inflammatory agent phenylbutazone against various experimental models of inflammation and increased vascular permeability. The researchers found that gossypin was not as strong as phenylbutazone, but also not as toxic. And, while I am on the subject of pain relief, a 1997 study (http://tinyurl.com/2t37nz) concluded that gossypin could be used as a substitute for morphine, as it is well tolerated and is not habit-forming. Gossypin also has neuroprotective properties, see this 2004 study on rat cortical cells: http://tinyurl.com/yvwmws

But I saved the best news (for us MMers) for last. A 2003 study (http://tinyurl.com/ytdkxj) demonstrated gossypin’s antioxidant, antitumour and anti-carcinogenic properties. Gossypin reduced the tumour size in what were called solid tumor harboring animals, increasing their life span. And, even more significantly, the June 2007 issue of Blood features a study (http://tinyurl.com/2x4p5e) by an MD Anderson team, including Prof. Bharat Aggarwal, showing that gossypin inhibits the infamous NF-kB, suppresses the proliferation of COX-2, and enhances apoptosis of tumour cells. The abstract concludes that gossypin inhibits the NF-kB activation pathway, which may explain its role in the suppression of inflammation, carcinogenesis, and angiogenesis. Gossypin also blocks osteoclastogenesis. Excellent news.

Another non-toxic substance gets added to my to-be-watched-carefully list. 😉