Scientists tested a supplement made from cow thymus gland tissue to see if it could increase levels of spermidine, a natural molecule in your body that may help you stay healthy as you age. They tested three different supplements in rats and found that the thymus gland supplement was the most effective at raising spermidine levels in the blood and organs. Since spermidine levels naturally drop as we get older, and higher levels are linked to better health during aging, this supplement could potentially help people maintain healthier cells as they age. However, this research was done in animals, so more testing in humans is needed before we know if it will work the same way for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a supplement made from cow thymus gland tissue could increase levels of spermidine, a molecule that may help prevent aging-related diseases
  • Who participated: Adult rats were used in this study. The researchers tested three different supplements: one made from wheat germ, and two made from different parts of cow thymus gland tissue
  • Key finding: The supplement made from the nuclear fraction (inner part) of cow thymus gland was the most effective at raising spermidine levels in the blood, liver, and heart after 28 days of daily supplementation
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new way to boost spermidine levels through supplements, which may support healthy aging. However, this study was done in animals, so we cannot yet say whether it will work the same way in humans. More research is needed before people should consider using this supplement

The Research Details

Researchers conducted an animal study using adult rats to test whether three different supplements could increase polyamine levels (molecules like spermidine that are important for cell health). The three supplements tested were: a spermidine-rich supplement made from wheat germ, a supplement made from the outer part of cow thymus gland tissue, and a supplement made from the inner part of cow thymus gland tissue.

The researchers first analyzed each supplement to see how much spermidine and related molecules they contained. They discovered that all three supplements contained these important molecules, but the cow thymus gland supplements also contained special fatty structures called liposomes that might help the body absorb the molecules better.

The rats received daily doses of these supplements for 28 days, and the researchers measured spermidine levels in their blood and organs at different time points to see which supplement worked best.

This research approach is important because it tests whether supplements can actually increase spermidine levels in the body, not just whether they contain spermidine. Many supplements contain healthy molecules, but the body may not absorb them well. By measuring actual blood and tissue levels, researchers can determine which supplements are truly effective. This matters because if spermidine really does help prevent age-related diseases, we need to find ways to get it into the body effectively.

This study was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work before publication. The study was conducted systematically with clear measurements and comparisons between different supplements. However, this research was done in rats, not humans, so the results may not apply directly to people. Additionally, the study focused on short-term changes (28 days), so we don’t know about long-term effects. The sample size of rats tested was not specified in the abstract, which limits our ability to assess the strength of the findings.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that the supplement made from the inner part of cow thymus gland tissue (called TNF) was the most effective at raising spermidine levels compared to the other two supplements tested. After 28 days of daily supplementation, TNF increased spermidine levels in the blood, liver, and heart more than the wheat germ supplement or the supplement made from the outer part of thymus gland tissue.

The researchers also discovered that all three supplements caused rapid changes in blood spermidine levels, meaning the body absorbed and responded to them relatively quickly. The TNF supplement contained the largest amounts of liposomes (special fatty structures) and RNA molecules, which may explain why it was more effective at delivering spermidine to the body.

Interestingly, the TNF supplement not only increased spermidine but also affected related molecules called spermine and putrescine, which are part of a group called polyamines that work together in the body.

The study revealed that different parts of the cow thymus gland tissue contained different amounts of beneficial molecules. The inner part (nuclear fraction) was superior to the outer part (cytosolic fraction) at delivering spermidine. The presence of liposomes in the supplements appeared to be important for effectiveness, as the TNF supplement had the most liposomes and performed the best. The fact that all three supplements produced rapid changes in blood levels suggests that the body can absorb these molecules relatively quickly when they’re in the right form.

Previous research has shown that polyamine levels naturally decrease with age and that people who eat more polyamines tend to be healthier as they age. However, scientists have struggled to develop effective supplements because polyamines are difficult for the body to absorb from most sources. This study adds to that research by showing that supplements made from cow thymus gland tissue, particularly when combined with liposomes, may be more effective at delivering spermidine than plant-based sources like wheat germ. This represents a potential breakthrough in making polyamine supplementation more practical.

This study has several important limitations. First, it was conducted in rats, not humans, so we cannot be certain the results will be the same in people. Second, the study only lasted 28 days, so we don’t know if the supplements continue to work over longer periods or if there are any long-term side effects. Third, the abstract does not specify how many rats were used, making it difficult to assess how reliable the findings are. Fourth, the study measured spermidine levels but did not test whether these increased levels actually led to health benefits or prevented age-related diseases. Finally, we don’t know the appropriate dose for humans or whether the supplement would be safe for long-term use in people.

The Bottom Line

Based on this animal research, we cannot yet recommend that people use this supplement. The findings suggest it may be effective at raising spermidine levels, but human studies are needed first. If you’re interested in increasing polyamine intake, eating foods naturally rich in these molecules (like organ meats, mushrooms, and whole grains) remains a safer, evidence-based approach. Talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you have health conditions or take medications. Confidence level: Low (animal study only)

This research is most relevant to people interested in anti-aging nutrition and longevity. It may be of particular interest to older adults concerned about age-related diseases, though they should not use this supplement without medical guidance. Scientists studying aging and polyamines should also pay attention to these findings. People with certain health conditions should avoid this supplement until human safety studies are completed. Anyone considering supplementation should consult their healthcare provider first.

In this animal study, spermidine levels changed rapidly (within hours to days) after taking the supplement. However, whether these changes would lead to actual health benefits in humans, and how long that would take, is completely unknown. If human studies eventually show benefits, it could take weeks to months of consistent supplementation to see meaningful health improvements. Realistic expectations should be set only after human research is completed.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If this supplement becomes available and approved for human use, users could track daily supplementation (yes/no) and monitor general wellness markers like energy levels, sleep quality, and recovery from exercise using a simple 1-10 rating scale
  • Once human studies support its use, users could set a daily reminder to take the supplement at the same time each day, paired with a meal for better absorption. They could also track dietary sources of polyamines (organ meats, mushrooms, whole grains) to complement supplementation
  • Long-term tracking could include monthly wellness check-ins, periodic blood work if recommended by a doctor to measure actual spermidine levels, and tracking of age-related health markers like mobility, cognitive function, and disease prevention over 3-6 month periods

This research was conducted in animals and has not been tested in humans. The supplement described in this study is not currently approved by the FDA for human use. Do not purchase or use this supplement based on this animal research alone. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The findings presented here are preliminary and require human clinical trials before any health claims can be made.