Mesenchymal stem cells: what they are and what the evidence says
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are connective tissue cells that can modulate inflammation and give rise to bone, cartilage or fat. They are being studied in many diseases, and their approved clinical use is very limited.
State of the evidence
Under investigation
There are very specific approvals in some countries, but for most uses there is no conclusive evidence.
Educational information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon. Last updated: October 3, 2026. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor.
What are they and where do they come from?
They are obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat) or tissues such as the umbilical cord. They can come from the patient (autologous) or from a donor (allogeneic). Their properties, and therefore their possible effects, change depending on the source and how they are prepared.
How they are thought to work
Rather than "turning into" new tissue, much of their effect observed in the lab seems to come from the signals they release (soluble factors and vesicles), which modulate inflammation and support repair. That is why they are being studied in inflammatory, autoimmune and degenerative diseases.
What the evidence says
- There are very specific approvals in some countries, for example for certain forms of graft-versus-host disease.
- In osteoarthritis and neurological, heart, liver and autoimmune diseases, trials have shown variable or preliminary results.
- Questions remain about which dose, source, route of administration and patients benefit.
- Product quality and standardization vary widely between laboratories and clinics.
What to ask before accepting a treatment
With any biological therapy, it is worth asking these questions and expecting clear, written answers:
- Does it have health authorization for this use? In Mexico, products and procedures involving human cells are regulated by COFEPRIS; you can ask for proof.
- Are there published studies in people with my condition? What results did they show?
- What are the risks and what conventional alternatives exist?
- Who administers it, with what training and in what facility?
- What is the total cost and what happens if it does not work?
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care soon if you have any of these signs:
- Fever, chills or feeling very unwell after a procedure.
- Spreading redness, warmth, pus or increasing pain at the application site.
- Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the lips or face, difficulty breathing.
- Severe pain that does not improve or gets worse over the days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells?
Hematopoietic cells form blood cells and are used in transplants with solid support. Mesenchymal cells are studied for their effect on inflammation and tissue repair, with clinical evidence that is still limited.
Are umbilical cord cells better?
There is not enough evidence to say so. Each source has different properties and is studied separately.
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Dr. Belinda Martínez reviews your case at her office in Guadalajara. The assessment is free of charge and does not commit you to any treatment.
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This content is informational and educational; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. If you have any symptoms, consult a health professional.