MOLECULE

Spermine

Spermine, also known as gerontine or musculamine, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as dialkylamines. These are organic compounds containing a dialkylamine group, characterized by two alkyl groups bonded to the amino nitrogen. Spermine is a drug which is used for nutritional supplementation, also for treating dietary shortage or imbalance. Spermine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). Spermine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. 5'-methylthioadenosine and spermine can be biosynthesized from S-adenosylmethioninamine and spermidine through the action of the enzyme spermine synthase. In humans, spermine is involved in spermidine and spermine biosynthesis. Outside of the human body, Spermine is found, on average, in the highest concentration within a few different foods, such as milk (cow), oats, and white wines and in a lower concentration in red wines. Spermine has also been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as annual wild rices, fruits, breadfruits, saffrons, and kelps. This could make spermine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. Spermine is a potentially toxic compound. Spermine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.