A Natural Compound for Male Contraception
Researchers have isolated a natural compound found in a Chinese Herb that can reversibly induce male sterility.
The compound, triptonide, can be either purified from a Chinese herb called Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F, or produced through chemical synthesis. It is being investigated for application in various cancers.
Single daily oral doses of triptonide induce altered sperm having minimal or no forward motility with close to 100% penetrance and consequently male infertility in 3-4 and 5-6 weeks. Fertility is restored within 4-6 weeks, and no toxic effects were observed even over the long term.
Analysis suggested that triptonide targets one of the last steps during sperm assembly, leading to the production of altered sperm with limited motility.
“Thanks to decades of basic research, which inspired us to develop the idea that a compound that targets a protein critical for the last several steps of sperm assembly would lead to the production of nonfunctional sperm without causing severe depletion of testicular cells,” said Dr Yan. “We are very excited that the new idea worked and that this compound appears to be an ideal male contraceptive. Our results using non-injurious studies on lower primates suggest triptonide will be an effective treatment for human males as well. Hopefully, we will be able to start human clinical trials soon to make the non-hormonal male contraceptive a reality.”
“Dr Yan’s discovery represents a major leap forward in the field,” said Drs Christina Wang and Ronald Swerdloff, who are TLI co-Principal Investigators helping lead NIH-supported advanced clinical trials on hormone-based birth control approaches. “The more contraceptive methods available, the better, as we will want a family of pharmaceutical products to safely and effectively meet the family planning needs of men and couples at different stages of their reproductive lives, with differing ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and economic means,” they concluded.
Source: Medical Xpress
