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"
Interesting. It's always best to obtain supplements in there natural form. But are there any suggestions for manufactured versions. Bioavailability is always a concern.
I would not accept the Low dose supplements that are plentiful. 10mg/ day is a good dose. The one I mention in this thread is 30 mg per gelcap. That is the one I will test for myself.
Spermidine was added to my treatment protocol in October 2023. I still continue occasional fasting for autophagy and other benefits but am hopeful that it's helping. Thanks for the heads up.
Many, many years ago the father of one of my colleagues at work contracted lung cancer. The son began doing all he could to keep his father alive, this included making his own wheat grass, B-17 and fermented wheat germ. The suggestion for fermented wheat germ came from one of the nutritional gurus at the time, I believe it may have been Adele Davis, but I am not sure. Anyway, I began using it. What I remember is that wheat germ must be refrigerated because it spoils (oxidizes) very quickly. I don't remember how long I took fermented wheat germ, but it was for 3-4 years.
The big problem with all of these lab-rat wonder foods, is that no one will tell you what the amount is for humans. When I was a young and callow youth, I used to write to these researchers, nary a one ever answered me. I don't think they knew the answer themselves. Anyway, should anyone want to combine the stinky and the fermented, I would think that Korean kimchi would be at the top of the winners list. The additional bonus is that fermented foods are also supposed to be liver-protective. If you choose kimchi, just check the salt level: those Koreans do love their salt!
Fermented wheatgerm is 5% Spermidine. So 600mg provides 30mg. For Mexican cuisine, Huitlacoche (corn fungus) is a tasty if funky alternative. Or just emphasize mushrooms and aged cheeses in addition to wheatgerm.
not sure…autophagy is a two sided blade, it is also used by cells (including cancer cells) as a mechanism to survive, plus I am not sure as I have found this:
Great post! I get 10 - 12 mg a day from cruciferous veggies, obra, spinach, beans, spinach occasionally mushrooms. I was content with this, but seeing you taking 30 mg after what I presume is solid research, I may have to rethink. In any case I should get those liposomal gels with me on my annual six week journey when I get almost no spermidine.
I need to add a note of caution for many here who have established metastatic PCa. Some research which is by no means definitive, indicate that Spermidine may cause some solid tumor cancers to progress more rapidly, even as less advanced may be inhibited. So there is some uncertainty surrounding this, and the research is not specific to human prostate cancer. As always, discuss supplements with your MO and keep appropriate monitoring to inform decision-making. MB
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