Spermidine Powder: Is It Worth the Hype?
The human body is made up of organs and tissues, which in turn are composed of functional units of the body, namely cells. Almost every biological process is performed and maintained at the cellular level, and the results of these are projected onto the tissues and organs. Starting with stem cells, human cells throughout the development process during the embryological period differentiate into different cells that migrate to different parts of the body and perform different functions accordingly.The cells perform various functions such as metabolism and homeostasis, however, they are incapable of doing so on their own and need different chemicals, enzymes, and signaling compounds to help them achieve the desired results.
The different types of cells have a different life span and once they have completed that period, they enter senescence or old age, of sorts, after which they are broken down or degraded, marking the end of their life.
As one ages, the cellular functions get altered first, resulting in the physical symptoms of aging, eventually. However, multiple types of research have been performed to study and understand how to increase the lifespan of the cells and consequentially, humans. As a result of these studies, a longevity agent was discovered which also happens to be one of the main compounds that are crucial for the maintenance of the different functions of the cells. This compound is found in abundance in the human body and is named spermidine.
Improving human health and promoting the increased life span of the cells, and consequently, the human, is the main function of this compound, although it takes part in various chemical and metabolic reactions in the body.
What is Spermidine Powder?
Spermidine is a naturally found polyamine that is important for the normal functioning of the entire body. Although it doesn’t exactly play a role in the maintenance or production of sperm, it is called the spermidine compound because it was initially discovered in semen. It is synthesized in the human body through the actions of the enzyme, spermidine synthase on the compound, putrescine.Spermidine can be further broken down into spermine, and other polyamines, including the structural isomer of spermine, thermospermine. Found in the ribosomes of the cell, the main function of this compound is to promote autophagy which allows cell renewal to take place in the human body. It is able to perform these functions by inducing autophagy at a cellular level in the body, rather than at superficial levels.
Given the huge role spermidine plays in the body, managing normal levels of it must be important. However, it was discovered that Spermidine levels in the body begin to decrease as one ages, which can decrease the efficiency with which the different metabolic functions are being performed. All of this results in the decreased capabilities of the human body which are normally blamed on aging, but it isn’t aging directly that causes it but rather the result of degradation of crucial compounds in the human body.
Spermidine powder is a supplemental exogenous form of Spermidine that aims to replenish the body’s stores of this aliphatic polyamine and enhance the functioning of the body.
History of Spermidine
Spermidine is named such because it was initially isolated from semen but since then it has been discovered that it is widely distributed in the human body and plays different roles in different parts of the body. Although it is important to note that it has one main function throughout the body which is cell proliferation and renewal, by promoting autophagy. It is one of the main longevity agents in humans and other mammals.The longevity agent was initially discovered in the human semen by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, in 1678 although he described it simply as crystals. It wasn’t until almost 200 years later that it was discovered that the crystals seen by Leeuwenhoek were spermine, a successor of Spermidine. However, the chemical structure of spermidine and spermine was still not known and it wasn’t until 1924 that the chemical structure was discovered and studied in detail.
Further studying of spermidine’s structure revealed more about its functions and specific features in the human body. It was found that spermidine, like every other polyamine, is a stable compound that does not dissolve or react in acidic or basic environments. Moreover, spermidine was found to have a positive charge that allows it to bind to negatively charged molecules such as RNA and DNA.
Furthermore, Spermidine was found to be available in abundance in the human body, with the levels beginning to decrease as one age, around the same time collagen and elastin levels being to decrease as well. During the early phase of life, humans receive spermidine through breast milk or baby formula and as they grow old, they receive spermidine from different food sources. However, natural exogenous sources of spermidine are not enough to replenish the stores of the compound that are being emptied due to decreased production of the polyamine.
In such cases, several kinds of research were performed to analyze how the stores can be replenished and Spermine supplements containing Spermidine trihydrochloride powder as an active ingredient were found to be the solution to this problem. Spermidine supplements are now readily available and are widely accepted as longevity supplements.
The function of Spermidine in the Human Body
Spermidine supplements play the same roles as spermidine would in the body which is why it is important to know the key functions of Spermidine in the human body. Spermidine is found to be crucial for the inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase or nNOS, that as the name suggests is only expressed in the peripheral and central neurons. The main function of nNOS is to monitor and regulate the vasomotor tone and regulate central blood pressure along with maintenance of synaptic plasticity in the central neurons.nNOS inhibition by both endogenous spermidine and exogenous spermidine is believed to have neuroprotective effects, including anti-depressive effects. Moreover, nNOS inhibition is responsible for a significant decrease in muscle deformities and degeneration of spinal neurons making this function of spermidine a protective function.
Spermidine, along with other polyamines, has been shown to have the same effect on the cell cycle as growth factors which also supports its main function; autophagy and longevity. Moreover, spermidine binds to different compounds to support different functions of the compound.
Uses of Spermidine Powder
Spermidine powder is used as a supplement to prevent different types of cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma and liver fibrosis. Most people choose to take spermidine powder as a supplement because of its ability to not only improve longevity but also because of the protective effects of the compound.Benefits of Spermidine Powder as a Supplement
Spermidine’s use as a supplement was only recently implemented but has been heavily backed by scientific research that has found it to have multiple benefits on the human body. Some of the main benefits of spermidine powder as a supplement are:· Improved Memory and Enhanced Cognitive Function
The use of spermidine powder is associated with neuroprotective properties although that is not the main feature responsible for the rising popularity of the compound. Spermidine’s positive effect on the brain and cognition is a result of its anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit inflammation in the neurons, hence decreasing the incidence of several neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease.A recent study focused to study the effect of this particular polyamine as polyamines can have both neuroprotective and neurotoxic effects. Spermidine was studied in animal models with neurodegenerative disorders, especially neurodegeneration as a result of hypoxic-ischemic insult. It was found that this insult resulted in inflammation through decreased actions of nitric oxide in the brain. However, the use of spermidine resulted in decreased inflammation as it was found that it increase the enzyme, nitric oxide synthase in the brain which is essential for the synthesis of nitric oxide, and eventually, treatment of inflammation. This study proved the anti-inflammatory effects of spermidine and its successor, spermine in vivo in animal models.
A similar study was performed on animal models with motor impairments and decreased dopamine levels, as a result of exposure to rotenone. Rotenone exposure in these models results in motor deficits similar to the motor deficits seen in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Scientists conducting the study found that spermidine has antioxidant properties that help rescue the dopaminergic neurons that were affected by rotenone in the rats while also combating the effects of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. These stressors result in damage to the neurons and result in a marked decrease of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Spermidine use rescued these neurons in the animal models and reversed the motor deficits caused by rotenone exposure, hence, proving the hypothesis that spermidine has neuroprotective properties.
Similarly, a study was performed to analyze the effects of dietary spermidine on cognitive function. It is a well-known fact that aging has a negative effect on cognitive function, however, it is hypothesized that these effects can be counteracted by the use of spermidine powder supplements.
When studying animal models that were given spermidine supplements, it was found that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase hippocampal function and mitochondrial function in the brain. This is especially important as the hippocampus is important for memory formation and cognition, and improving its function may be especially beneficial in combating physiological and pathological deterioration of hippocampal function.
Basically, spermidine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties along with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier which allows it to be a neuroprotective agent in the human body.
· Anti-Aging Properties with Increased Autophagy
Spermidine is a naturally found compound in the human body that plays an important role in the longevity of the cells. It binds to DNA, RNA, and other positively charged molecules which allows it to take part in multiple metabolic processes. The results of these processes are improved cell growth, cell proliferation, and anti-aging of the body. However, it is unable to combat the effects of aging and cell death as one ages because the levels of spermidine begin to decrease from middle age.Aging is a complex genetic process that occurs in response to different stressors and stimuli which can cause cell death. Consumption of dietary spermidine powder supplements is believed to have an anti-aging effect on the human body through its ability to induce autophagy. Simply put, autophagy is a cellular process, which when translated means ‘eating one’s self’. This process is responsible for the digestion of non-functional or misfolded organelles and proteins, respectively, leading to the destruction of cells that can no longer perform the necessary functions. Despite its function appears to be a harmful one, autophagy has a protective effect on the cells as it removes the cells that are no longer effective.
The use of spermidine trihydrochloride powder is associated with increased autophagy in the human body which is helpful in anti-aging processes as it removes the nonfunctional cells, promoting the production of newer and functional cells. This cellular rejuvenation is crucial to prevent dysfunctional cells from remaining in the body resulting in exaggerated effects of aging.
The induction of autophagy by spermidine powder also plays a role in the immune system, especially in T cells. A recent study has found that autophagy boosting agents, such as spermidine, may be beneficial in improving elderly patients’ response to vaccines. The researchers aim to pass this information to vaccine centers and hope to make the use of dietary spermidine a general protocol for elderly patients being vaccinated.
Apart from autophagy, spermidine also has anti-aging properties as a result of other processes that help inhibit six out of nine hallmarks of aging in the human body. As one ages, the stem cells lose their ability to differentiate into different cell types that have either died, migrated, or lost their functional abilities. This results in irreversible changes in the human body such as graying of hair and the entire process is referred to as stem cell exhaustion. This hallmark of aging is inhibited or fought by dietary spermidine powder supplements which can increase the longevity of the stem cells.
Epigenetic alteration is another hallmark of aging that refers to changes in the genetic components of the cell along with cell structure and physiology as a result of exposure to different environmental factors. These environmental toxins induce changes in the cells that negatively affect the cell causing early aging of the cells and eventually, cell death. This hallmark is also combated by spermidine use as it is known for promoting cellular rejuvenation.
As cells age, they direct most of their energy to self-preservation which leads to altered negative extracellular communication as the cell will damage other cells trying to preserve its own health and stimulate longevity. However, this, in the long run, can have a deteriorating effect on tissue and organ health, which is a frequent finding in aging individuals. However, the use of spermidine is believed to reduce the alteration of communication between cells to promote longevity of all cells, without harming other cells in the tissue.
Proteins play an important role in the cells and are necessary for all metabolic processes to be performed properly. Proteins need to be constructed properly in the body to ensure the proper functioning of the body along with the maintenance of homeostasis. With age, proteins lose their ability to hold on to their specific structure which allows them to perform specific functions. Environmental stressors affect these proteins and the mechanisms leading to the production and maintenance of these protein structures. This is referred to as loss of proteostasis and is an important hallmark of aging.
The lifespan of the cell ends and the cell enters the senescence period when the telomeres of the cell are too short for the cell to be able to divide anymore. Telomeres keep shortening as the cell divides and eventually it reaches a size too small to allow further cell division, leading to telomere silencing. After this, the cell cannot divide and will eventually die off. Telomere shortening is an important hallmark of aging that has been studied and researched thoroughly for the development of anti-aging compounds. Spermidine is found in the body and is responsible for opposing the effects of telomere silencing, allowing the cells to divide freely for a longer period of time.
Spermidine improves mitochondrial functions and reduces the effect of oxidative stress on the body. This is another hallmark of aging that can be opposed by using dietary spermidine powder supplements.
· Prevents Certain Types of Cancers from Developing
Spermidine is believed to have anti-neoplastic effects as it has been found that individuals taking spermidine have a decreased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and its preceding condition, liver fibrosis. A recent research found that spermidine is able to stop liver fibrosis from developing even in animal models that were being actively exposed to chemicals with the ability to produce liver fibrosis.An observational study has found that spermidine use has the potential to prevent colon cancer, although further research needs to be performed before it is added to the treatment and prevention guidelines.
Moreover, it was found that the use of spermidine in chemotherapy patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer and gastric cancer helped improve the outcomes of the treatment and improve prognostic factors of cancer.
· Maintain proper Circadian Rhythm
Spermidine supplements are often advertised as sleep initiating and maintaining products while also focusing on the improvement of the circadian rhythm. A study performed on animal models found that older mice, with low levels of spermidine in their body, had a slower circadian rhythm which often develops as sleeping disorders. When supplemented with spermidine powder, these older mice were found to have a more active circadian rhythm with a normal circadian cycle.· Beautification of Hair, Nails, and Skin
Spermidine rejuvenates cells and promotes healthy cell growth which reverses the effects of aging on the skin, hair, and nails. Aging takes a toll on the appearance of the texture of the skin, with aging skin appearing wrinkled and saggy with a crepey texture. These effects can be reversed using spermidine supplements that are actively recommended for the beautification of hair, nails, and skin.Which Foods are Rich in Spermidine Powder?
Spermidine is found naturally in multiple food sources, mostly those belonging to Mediterranean cuisine. The food sources of spermidine are mentioned below:- Durian
- Wheat germ
- Green Peppers
- Broccoli
- Mushroom
- Cauliflower
- Cheeses (different types have different spermidine content)
- Natto
- Shiitake mushroom
- Amaranth grain
What is Spermidine Wheat Germ Extract?
Spermidine as a dietary supplement is derived from the wheat germ which is rich in spermidine. To manufacture this supplement from the wheat plant, a wheat kernel is treated to extract its spermidine from the endospore. Fermented wheat gram extract is produced by treating the extract from the wheat kernel with an extract of yeast. Also known as Fermented Extract Of Wheat Germ, FWGE, MSC, Triticum Aestivum Germ Extract, and Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, this product is what provides spermidine dietary supplements with spermidine.Uses of Spermidine Wheat Germ Extract
The spermidine wheat germ extract is recommended for people wanting to reverse the effects of aging in their body, such as graying of hair, wrinkling of the skin, and decreased energy production. Some of the other uses of FGWE include:- Sunburns: As spermidine is able to promote cell growth, proliferation, and rejuvenation, it is believed that cells damaged by UV exposure may benefit from the effects of spermidine. These cells are hypothesized to undergo an autophagic process as a result of spermidine consumption, which then will lead to newer cells being generated to treat the sunburn.
- Prevention of fever in chemotherapy patients: spermidine plays an important role in the immune system through its autophagic properties, and it is these properties that help spermidine germ wheat extract powder to promote the destruction of chemotherapy damaged cells and induce proliferation of new cells. This helps regenerate healthy and functional T cells in the body which help these patients fight the recurrent infections.
- Management of autoimmune disorders: Spermidine has anti-inflammatory properties which help in the management of autoimmune disorders with pro-inflammatory features.
Side Effects of Spermidine Powder Use
Spermidine is a polyamine that is found naturally in the body, the excess of which has no side effects in the human body. However, low levels of spermidine in the body are related with early aging, decreased memory and cognitive function, along with decreased structural stability and integrity of the skin. It also results in impaired mitochondrial function which then exaggerates the effects of aging in the body.Spermidine supplements that are manufactured using high quality wheat germ extract and by following all safety guidelines and protocol and considered safe for human consumption. These supplements have been thoroughly studied and no significant side effects have yet been discovered, hence calling for further research to be formed. It is important to note that no spermidine powder toxicities have yet been reported
Why Choose Our Spermidine Powder Manufacturing Factory?
Spermidine powder is a stable compound that is also found in the body. In our manufacturing factory, spermidine powder is produced in a professional, sterile laboratory to ensure the safety of the product. The product is manufactured following the guidelines and safety protocols to ensure maximal benefits of the spermidine compound while also reducing the possibility of contamination or reaction of the compound with other products. Moreover, the products are lab tested after production to ensure their safety, efficacy and potency. Any spermidine product that does not pass this testing is not packaged and prepared for sale but rather sent back, and the other products in the same batch are subjected to extensive training to ensure there is no problem with quality of the spermidine powder.Spermidine powder is available wholesale at our factory, although it is only sold for research and development purposes, or for its application in the field of pharmaceuticals. Spermidine is a pharmaceutical intermediate and an important substrate in medicinal and biological chemistry. For these purposes, high quality Spermidine powder is required, which is available at our Spermidine manufacturing factory.
Spermidine powder from our manufacturing facilities is available for purchase in different packages and conditions, depending on the demands of the consumers. Each package has a label with the date of testing and production date, to ensure easier quality control checks and tracking services.
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