Question 251 of 433
What about spermidine, taurine, and curcumin?
The short answer
Each has an appealing story in the laboratory and weak or negative human trials so far.
Spermidine triggers cellular recycling in animals, and people who eat more of it (wheat germ, aged cheese, mushrooms, legumes) live longer in observational studies. A year-long trial for memory in older adults found no benefit.
Taurine extended life in mice in a 2023 study. In 2025, researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that taurine levels do not reliably fall with age in humans, which undercut the main argument.
Curcumin, from turmeric, is poorly absorbed, did not extend life in mice, and has been linked to rare cases of liver injury in high-absorption formulas. Cook with turmeric freely.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
PRECLINICAL / MIXED HUMAN — Spermidine, taurine, and curcumin: no established general longevity benefit.Evidence grade (draft mapping)DPreclinical / mechanisticPart 17, Q251 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.