Spermine

Spermine is a polybasic amine present almost universally in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, a biogenic amine found in many foods of both plant and animal origin. At high levels it may contribute to toxicity and is watched as a spoilage indicator, since microbes generate it by decarboxylating amino acids as foods deteriorate. Research has also found it works together with tocopherols to slow oxidation in polyunsaturated oils, an intriguing protective role that hints at why these amines are so widespread in lipid-rich tissues. In food analysis it is measured alongside other biogenic amines to judge freshness and handling history.