Gossypol but not cottonseed extracts or lipopolysaccharides stimulates HuR gene expression in mouse cells

•Plant components that regulate HuR may have nutritional and therapeutic value.•Cottonseed extracts and LPS had minimal effect on HuR gene expression.•Gossypol was shown for the first time to increase HuR expression in macrophages.•Cottonseed extracts are safe to use as a reliable source of plant polyphenols.