Papaya seeds are the basis of a product developed by Bolivian students. The project is still in the experimental phase and needs clinical proof.
A group of students from the Franz Tamayo Private University (Unifranz), in El Alto, Bolivia, developed a product with the “potential effect” of a reversible male contraceptive from papaya seeds.
Research seeks alternatives to the adverse hormonal effects of contraceptives used by women.
“We think of this product as a real contribution to society. We want men to also have responsible options for family planning, and that are affordable, safe and based on natural resources,” he says Jovita Baltazarone of the project’s creators, on the university’s website.
The product, called Carispermexconsists of an effervescent granulated formula with a coffee flavor, administered in daily doses of 20 grams for around 10 days, with the aim of inhibiting sperm production for a period of approximately one month, explains Baltazar, alongside colleagues Cristayne Laura and Nadia Janco.
The development of the contraceptive, administered orally in liquid form, was based on a review of scientific literature and previous research, with the purpose of transferring theoretical knowledge to practical application, through the adjustment of doses initially tested on animals for their eventual use in humans. Therefore, the authors speak of a “potential” contraceptive effect.
In turn, Janco highlights that the project also responds to the need to develop reversible contraceptive methods aimed at men, although it is not the first attempt in this direction.
According to the student, the pharmaceutical treatment of papaya seeds generates an effect of “azoospermia or sperm cancellation” without causing side effectssince reproductive function is restored after stopping the dose.
The project is part of the Biochemistry and Pharmacy course and is part of a curricular unit aimed at the integrated application of the knowledge acquired by students, explained teacher Servando Gutiérrez. The professor highlighted that, although the project is still in the experimental phase and needs to be proven with clinical trials, it constitutes a practical proposal aimed at responding to a relevant social need.
