Indonesian scientists 'develop male birth control pill'

An Indonesian plant used by members of a remote tribe to prevent pregnancy could provide the key to the elusive male birth control pill.

The plant, justicia gendarussa, has been used for years by men in Papua to prevent pregnancy.

Airlangga University professor Bambang Prajogo Eko Wardojo has been studying the plant since 1985 and Indonesian news website Coconuts Jakarta now claims the pill could be ready for sale as soon as next year.

Human tests have reportedly shown the pill is as effective as its female equivalent, while male fertility levels returned to normal just three days after subjects stopped taking it.

Although the pill from Airlangga University is likely to be available as "herbal medicine" in Indonesia from next year, additional testing could keep it out of western markets for some time to come.