---
title: "Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity."
description: "Spermidine extends lifespan and reduces oxidative stress by triggering autophagy through epigenetic changes in various organisms and human cells."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/spermidine_autophagy.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/spermidine_autophagy.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/spermidine_autophagy.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "spermidine_autophagy"
journal: "Nature Cell Biology"
year: 2009
pmid: "19801973"
doi: "10.1038/ncb1975"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity.

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity.

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Nature Cell Biology |
| Year | 2009 |
| PMID | [19801973](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19801973/) |
| DOI | [10.1038/ncb1975](https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb1975) |
| Study key | spermidine_autophagy |

## Takeaway

Spermidine extends lifespan and reduces oxidative stress by triggering autophagy through epigenetic changes in various organisms and human cells.

## The question

Does spermidine administration affect the lifespan of various organisms and human cells?

## Hypothesis

The study investigates whether spermidine, a natural polyamine, can extend lifespan and inhibit oxidative stress by inducing autophagy.

## Methods

Spermidine was administered to yeast, flies, worms, and human immune cells to observe its effect on lifespan. Its impact on oxidative stress was assessed in ageing mice. The study also examined the epigenetic effects of spermidine on histone H3 acetylation and the expression of autophagy-related transcripts in yeast, flies, worms, and human cells. The role of autophagy in polyamine-induced longevity was also investigated.

## Results

Spermidine administration significantly extended the lifespan of yeast, flies, worms, and human immune cells. It also potently inhibited oxidative stress in ageing mice. In ageing yeast, spermidine treatment inhibited histone acetyltransferases (HAT), leading to epigenetic deacetylation of histone H3, which suppressed oxidative stress and necrosis. Depletion of endogenous polyamines resulted in hyperacetylation, increased reactive oxygen species, early necrotic death, and reduced lifespan. The altered chromatin acetylation status led to significant upregulation of autophagy-related transcripts, inducing autophagy in yeast, flies, worms, and human cells. Enhanced autophagy was found to be crucial for polyamine-induced suppression of necrosis and increased longevity.

## Conclusion

Spermidine administration promotes longevity across multiple species and in human cells by inducing autophagy, which is mediated by epigenetic deacetylation of histone H3 and suppression of oxidative stress and necrosis.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> Administration of spermidine, a natural polyamine, markedly extended the lifespan of yeast, flies and worms, and human immune cells, by triggering autophagy.

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Spermidine (Wheat-Germ Extract) | Moderate evidence | [Spermidine (Wheat-Germ Extract)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/7.md) |
| All-in-One Longevity Formulation | Emerging evidence | [NOVOS Core All-In-One Sachets](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/12.md) |
| Cellular Senescence & Inflammation Panel | — | — |

## Reference

1. **Induction of autophagy by spermidine promotes longevity.**
   Nature Cell Biology 2009 · [PMID 19801973](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19801973/) · [DOI 10.1038/ncb1975](https://doi.org/10.1038/ncb1975)

   > Administration of spermidine, a natural polyamine, markedly extended the lifespan of yeast, flies and worms, and human immune cells, by triggering autophagy.

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [NOVOS Core All-In-One Sachets](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/12.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Spermidine (Wheat-Germ Extract)](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/7.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Higher spermidine intake is linked to lower mortality: a prospective population-based…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/sperm_mort.md)
- [Cardioprotection and lifespan extension by the natural polyamine spermidine.](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/spermidine_cardio.md)
- [Effects of Spermidine Supplementation on Cognition and Biomarkers in Older Adults With…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/x3.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).