Spermidine is a naturally ocuring polyamine that is present in all cells: animal, fungal, bacterial and plants, to some degree or other. It is a plant derived substance that is worth knowing about and considering for the beneficial effects higher levels can have on health and longevity.
It has been demonstrated to significantly increase average and maximal lifespan across species including mammals (lab mice). It has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects on the full spectrum of age related diseases: Cardiovascular (Coronary Artery disease, High blood pressure and congestive heart failure); Metabolic (type 2 Diabetes, Metabolic syndrome, Obesity, Insulin resistance); Musculo-skeletal (Osteoporosis and Osteopenia, Osteoarthritis and Sarcopenia); Neuro-degenerative ( Alzheimer’s Disease and especially Parkinsons, decreased memory of aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and decreases neuro-inflammation); Immune: (Influenza, Cytomegalovirus, Colitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease); Improves Gut Microbiome (Composition and barrier functions; Improves gut regulatory T-cells) Cancer (decreases all cause cancer mortality. Much research on specific cancer types with Spermidine derivatives is ongoing.
Spermidine is produced by healthy gut microbes through fermentation (bifidobacteria and others) The best dietary sources are fermented which causes a large increase. Fermented wheatgerm is highest. Soy, especially Natto, aged cheeses, mushrooms, beans and in cruciate vegetables. Most supplements are based on wheatgerm. Fermented ones are best.
So what are the cellular and biochemical mechanisms for the actions of Spermidine? The main and most central action is the induction of autophagy. That is the process of identifying and breaking down damaged aging cells and recycling the components for cellular renewal. A related process is mitophagy, the breakdown and replacement of damaged mitochondria with healthy new ones. A related process is apoptosis, the programmed death of damaged and abnormal cells (including cancer cells).
Other mechanisms of action include epigenetic control of transcription of genes (which ones are switched on or off and when) through inhibition of histone acetylation. Promotes DNA stability in the chromosomes. Involved in cell proliferation control and differentiation. Is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, decreasing ROS leakage from mitochondria, inhibits NF-kB, IL-1B and IL-18. Enhances proteostasis. Improves mitochondrial function through mitophagy. Involved in lipid storage and metabolism. Maturing of pre-adipocytes into adipocytes. Decreases lipid accumulation. Cell growth and metabolism signaling pathways including: SIRT-1, PGC-1a, Insulin and IGF regulation, AMPK - FOX03 pathway, CK2, MAPK and Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor gamma.
In other words, Spermidine does a lot of very good things! However, levels of Spermidine drop substantially with aging. So it may be worth considering supplementing, either with Spermidine rich foods or supplements. And as for the name? Spermidine is actually what gives semen its characteristic odor. Many fermented, Spermidine rich foods may have funky odors, think aged cheeses. Paul/MB
"Spermidine reduces cancer-related mortality in humans"
