Contents
Triptonid, an ingredient derived from the Zeus grapevine, is currently the most promising substance with contraceptive properties in men. After nearly 30 years of research, scientists can finally say that it is not only safe, but also that its effects can be reversible. For now, however, this only applies to animals.
- Research into the male birth control pill has been going on for decades
- For 30 years, scientists have been studying the potential effects of Zeus grapevines on male fertility
- In mice and monkeys, the use of triptonid inhibited and later restored male fertility
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Male contraceptive pill – groundbreaking research results
Scientists from China and the USA are conducting research on triptonid, a plant isolate that may become an ingredient of the first male contraceptive pill. Scientists in an article published in “Nature Communications” report that the results are very promising.
– There are currently no non-hormonal contraceptives for men on the market, despite decades of efforts to develop ‘male pills’. In this article, we report that triptonid, a natural compound purified from the Chinese herb Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F, has reversible contraceptive effects in males, both in mice and monkeys, the researchers said.
In a recent study, male mice and 12 cynomolgus macaques were given one dose of triptonid per day. Almost 100 percent of the animals have been observed. sperm deformity between 3 and 4 weeks in mice and between 5 and 6 weeks in macaques. Sperm deformity meant that the animals were not fertile at that stage of the study.
Upon discontinuation of the triptonide treatment, all animals returned to full fertility by 4 to 6 weeks. This means that the substance allows for a temporary inhibition of the production of good-quality semen, which, however, is completely reversible. Contraceptive pills for women work in a similar way.
Importantly, after the study was completed, the scientists checked the organs of the animals. Triptonid had no side effects in them.
Triptonid – a component of the contraceptive pill for men?
Triptonid is a compound isolated from a plant known as the Zeus grapevine. The plant has been studied for almost 30 years in the context of male contraception. It was first examined in 1993 when it was found that men who ingested Zeus’ vines for reasons other than fertility control had decreased sperm quality. There were less sperm in it, which in addition were deformed and less mobile.
Over the next years, scientists analyzed individual compounds isolated from grapevines, but the research did not bring positive results (due to, among others, their toxicity). From 2020, however, hopes are placed on triptonid.
The results of research by scientists from China and the USA give hope that the male contraceptive pill may become a fact. For now, however, more animal studies are needed, and then, if all goes well, also in humans.
The hard way to male contraception
Contraceptive pills for women have existed for half a century, and women also have other methods of fertility control at their disposal – intrauterine devices or hormonal injections. In the case of men, the options are limited only to condoms and vasectomy surgery.
In recent years, however, there have been reports of new substances that could become an ingredient of the first male contraceptive pill. In early 2018, a team at the University of Washington reported promising results from a tablet with the chemical name DMAU. The pill contained a combination of the hormones androgen, testosterone and progesterone.
In turn, at the end of 2019, scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research conducted three rounds of clinical trials on a different contraceptive for men. It was an injection with a special polymer that blocks the transfer of sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. The subjects did not report any side effects.
In both cases, the measures have not yet been brought to the market.
Also read:
- How does COVID-19 affect male fertility and sperm quality?
- Semen testing – a taboo subject
- Contraception – natural, hormonal, chemical and mechanical methods [EXPLAINED]
- Contraception in Polish. How do women protect themselves most often? At all
- The 10 most common questions about contraception
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.