Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Review Article
Health Effects of Polyamines: An Overview of Polyamines as a Health-Promoting Agent for Human Health
Author(s): Letchuman Sarvananda*, Danushka Madhuranga, Palihaderu Arachchige Dineth Supasan Palihaderu and Amal D Premarathna
Polyamines (PAs) are low molecular weight aliphatic nitrogenous base-containing molecules, are considered an
organic compound having more than two amino groups, and they have potent biological activities. They play an
important role in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. In living organisms, PAs are mainly available as free PAs,
covalently conjugated PAs, or non-covalently conjugated forms. The natural PAs, spermidine and spermine, are
synthesized in every living cell and are therefore contained in foods, and their precursor, putrescine, are subcutaneous
low molecular weight amines that contain multiple amino groups. Polyamines are synthesized within all living cells,
in eukaryotes, polyamine synthesis begins with ornithine, which is synthesized through the urea cycle from arginine.
The decarboxylation of ornithine catalyzed by Ornithine Decarboxylases (ODC) is.. View more»