Thessa M. Lim, Sheila Mae B. Pingul, Chantrii Kreen Domini H. Sedillo (March 2001)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to test the side effects of cotton seed extract on white mice. It specifically aimed to determine the side effects of the spermicide gossypol in terms of hair loss, hair quality, weight loss, body length, tail length, body bulk, testicular size, and appetite change of/in the subjects. It also aimed to determine the maximum concentration of the extract that is effective but with minimal side effects. Furthermore, it aimed to determine the significant difference in the side effects of gossypol in different concentrations. It was hypothesized that there is a no significant difference in the side effects of the spermicide gossypol in different concentrations, namely: 1.0 mL, 0.5mL, 0.25 mL, and 0.1mL. The independent variables of the study were the different concentrations of gossypol, while the dependent variables were hair loss, hair quantity, weight loss, body length, tail length, body bulk, testicular size and appetite change. The study was performed in the Science Research Laboratory at the Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus. Four replicates per concentration treatment were prepared for greater accuracy in the analysis of data. The ONE-Way Analysis of Variance(ANOVA), set at 0.05 level of significance, was employed as the inferential statistical tool. The Scheffe test, also set at 0.05 level of significance, was used as the post hoc multiple comparison test.
The study revealed that although there was changes among the tested side effects among the white mice, there was no significant difference among the variables. It was also revealed that the 0.25 mL concentration is the maximum concentration of gossypol, effective but safe for consumption. However, it was also noted that white mice treated with 1.0mL and 0.5 mL concentrations experienced blackening of testi