Spermidine
Polyamine found in wheat germ, soybeans, and aged cheese. Induces autophagy independently of mTOR. Shown to extend lifespan in multiple model organisms including mice.
This compound sits in research-grey territory. The caveats below carry more weight than for FDA-approved entries — read them.
Eisenberg et al. (2009) showed lifespan extension in yeast, flies, and worms — then in mice. The Graz study (Austria, 2018) showed lower risk of cognitive decline with higher dietary spermidine intake in a large cohort. The supplement form (wheat germ extract standardized to spermidine) avoids the high-temperature instability of pure spermidine. Combined with rapamycin or caloric restriction in some longevity protocols.
Wheat germ extract products have poor standardization — spermidine content varies dramatically. Most human evidence is observational. Supplemental doses are far lower than doses used in animal lifespan studies (relative to body mass).
Per-claim grading. Each claim is graded independently — same peptide, different claims can carry different grades.
- DMechanistic / anecdotal
Spermidine — primary mechanism: polyamine found in wheat germ, soybeans, and aged cheese. induces autophagy independently of mtor. shown to extend lifespan in multiple model organisms including mice.
2 supporting referencesVerified 5d ago
External links to PubMed searches, ClinicalTrials.gov, and FDA materials. We do not host papers — we point at canonical sources.
Dietary supplement. No FDA drug designation.