Meta Information
ID:spermidine
Name:Spermidine
Schema Version:1.5
Alternate Names
- N-(3-aminopropyl)butane-1,4-diamine
Active Compound
spermidine
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Delivery
Route:
oral
Scope:
- systemic
Regulatory Status
- us:dietary_supplement
- eu:food_supplement
Indication
Focus:
healthspan
Description:
A polyamine intended to induce autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that declines with age, to support healthy aging.
Typical Protocol
- Typical daily doses for healthspan range from 1 mg to 10 mg, often sourced from wheat germ extract.
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
30
High Cost:
70
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Monthly cost for over-the-counter dietary supplements; not covered by insurance.
Summary
Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine essential for cellular function whose levels decline with age. Its primary healthspan-related mechanism is the potent induction of autophagy, the body's cellular recycling system that clears out damaged components. Supplementation aims to restore youthful levels of autophagy, potentially mitigating age-related cellular damage and supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health.
Purpose
A natural polyamine that induces autophagy to promote cellular renewal.
Card Summary
A naturally occurring polyamine that induces autophagy, the body's cellular cleanup process, to help clear damaged cells and support healthy aging.
Drug Class
null
Drugs In Class
Empty Array
Impact
Score:
5.5
Justification:
Promising autophagy induction, but human data on major healthspan outcomes is still developing.
Evidence
Grade:
B
Score:
6.5
Justification:
Strong animal data and observational studies, with some small human RCTs on specific endpoints.
Safety
Score:
2.5
Justification:
Generally well-tolerated substance naturally found in many common foods like wheat germ.
Flags
- Supplements are often derived from wheat germ, a potential concern for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- High doses may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals.
- Consult a physician if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Verdict
A promising, safe autophagy-inducer with developing human evidence for healthspan.
Created
2026-05-08T22:54:01.951192Z
Ai Model
Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)