Spermine

Spermine is a naturally occurring biogenic polyamine derived from spermidine, present as a polycation at all pH values in various tissues and organisms[1][2][6]. It plays essential roles in cellular physiology, acting as an intracellular free radical scavenger and stabilizing nucleic acid helical structures, particularly in viruses[1][6]. Spermine is required for eukaryotic cell growth and is found at millimolar concentrations within the nucleus. It protects DNA from oxidative damage by forming adducts that prevent free radical attack. Additionally, spermine regulates gene expression, stabilizes chromatin structure, prevents endonuclease-mediated DNA fragmentation, and has been shown to enhance the activity of anti-tuberculosis drugs by generating reactive oxygen species toxic to Mycobacterium tuberculosis[1][4]. Spermine can be obtained through diet and is less toxic to humans due to its natural presence in the body[4].

Other names

spermine