Scientists have just announced groundbreaking new research into the safe and effective male contraceptive pill from a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine that has been proven in tests that induce rats and monkeys.
For decades, women have primarily taken responsibility for contraception by taking pills, but now that could change as an equivalent drug is available for men.
The research was published in the journal Nature Communications. The compound in question is called triptonide, which comes from a Chinese herb called T. wilfordii Hook F.
Traditionally, this herb is used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. But since the 1980s, it has been reported that men taking this supplement over a period of several months experience infertility. Obviously, this is an unfortunate side effect of arthritis treatment, but it is a staple in a male contraceptive.
So, for the new study, scientists determined how effective this herb could be in this role. The team tested 10 compounds from this plant and selected triptonide as the ideal contraceptive candidate.
In animal testing, the team found that a single daily dose caused infertility in male rats for three to four weeks and in male monkeys for five to six weeks. This compound works by deforming almost 100% of the test animal’s semen so that it cannot swim forward.
“We are delighted that the new idea has been successful and that this compound appears to be an ideal contraceptive for men,” said Dr. Wei Yan, lead author of the study.
Triptonide is completely benign, not only effective and easy to take, but also hormone free, so it does not cause any changes in mood or unwanted behavior. No toxic side effects have been reported. And perhaps more importantly, the process is completely reversible, once the pill is stopped, fertility returns within four to six weeks.
The team hopes to begin a human clinical trial of triptonide soon.
