The Future of Regeneration: What Can Stem Cell Therapy Do?

As a functional medicine practitioner, I’m always on the lookout for innovation. I get excited by cutting-edge ideas, new treatments, and research that can help us better understand ourselves, heal our bodies, nurture our minds, and thrive well into our later years. 

I’m also committed to the fundamentals. No matter how many genuinely groundbreaking tools and therapies emerge, I always want to make sure people understand first and foremost what’s needed for a foundation of health. 

Where does stem cell therapy fit? It’s an exciting, powerful tool in the toolbox. And it’s not for everyone, it’s not a first line therapy, and it’s not a substitute for the power of nourishing food, sleep, exercise, community, and emotional awareness. 

Still, there has been some very promising research on stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine for health and longevity. Let’s take a look at the benefits, the potential risks and limitations, and how to know if stem cell therapy is right for you. 

What Are Stem Cells? 

Stem cells are live cells, found throughout our bodies, that have the ability to both self-renew (make more of themselves) and differentiate (become other types of cells). These processes occur naturally in our tissues and organs and are critical for normal maintenance and repair. 

For example, intestinal stem cells help to regenerate the epithelial barrier (gut lining) every few days. (1) Skin cells regenerate quickly thanks to epidermal stem cells that support wound healing, and skeletal muscle contains a form of stem cell that repairs and regenerates muscle fibers after exercise and/or injury. 

What Is Stem Cell Therapy? 

Stem cell therapy refers to the process of collecting, concentrating, and injecting stem cells into areas where there is damaged tissue or dysfunction. The idea is to harness the body’s natural repair mechanisms and support tissue regeneration. 

There are different types of stem cells that are relevant to the conversation on stem cell therapy, primarily: 

• Embryonic stem cells: Stem cells derived from embryos were used in much of the earliest stem cell research. These types of stem cells are very versatile, with the ability to transform into any kind of cell in the body. There are several ethical and safety concerns with the use of stem cells derived from embryos, and this type of therapy is not currently available in the US. However, research, following ethical guidelines issued by the NIH, is ongoing.
  
• Adult stem cells: Stem cells derived from an individual’s own bone marrow (called mesenchymal stem cells) or fat tissue are used most commonly in regenerative treatments today. Adult stem cells can form several types of tissue, but they’re not as versatile as embryonic stem cells. Our stem cells are also susceptible to aging and environmental factors just like we are, which may limit the potency or efficacy of bone marrow transplants and other adult stem cell therapies. (2) Still, many people do experience benefits from these types of stem cell therapy.
  
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): These are adult cells that are genetically reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells, making them capable of becoming nearly any kind of cell. This is an exciting area of research when it comes to personalized regenerative medicine. (3)
  
• Perinatal stem cells: Perinatal stem cells come from the umbilical cord or amniotic fluid. They have powerful regenerative abilities and may offer a less invasive therapeutic approach. 

What Can Stem Cell Therapy Do? 

Since stem cells are used within every part of the body, the possibilities for stem cell therapy are seemingly endless. Research is ongoing into several different uses and applications, only some of which are currently available to patients within the US. 

• Stem cell transplantation is most commonly used for leukemia and other blood cancers, replacing damaged hematopoietic stem cells (stem cells that form blood). It is also used for some kinds of lymphoma. 
• In clinical settings, stem cell therapy can be used to address joint degeneration, pain, osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and orthopedic concerns. (4) 
• Studies are also exploring stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, with early research pointing to improvements in motor function and quality of life. (5, 6)
• There’s also promise for autoimmune diseases including Crohn’s, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, with stem cells potentially being able to modulate immune activity and reduce inflammation. (7, 8) However, in many of these cases, the process is quite invasive, and it doesn’t work for all patients. Again, this isn’t where I would start with an autoimmune condition (or any condition). 
• In cardiovascular medicine, stem cell treatment may assist in repairing heart tissue after a heart attack or improving circulation for those with vascular issues. 
• There are also uses for stem cell therapy for skin and hair health. Stem cell therapy may enhance collagen production, improve wound healing, and stimulate hair growth. (9) 

Stem cells have also gotten a lot of attention for their potential impact on longevity. The aging process is closely tied to the gradual depletion and slowing down of our body’s stem cells. As we age, our ability to regenerate tissue declines, which contributes to slower wound healing, weaker muscles, and even diminished cognitive function. 

Research is ongoing into the potential of stem cells to improve markers of biological age including telomere length, enhance physical resilience, and potentially extend lifespan and healthspan. (10, 11) 

Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe? 

Stem cell therapy, especially when using your own cells, is generally considered safe, but there are several important considerations. (12) 

First, it’s absolutely essential to work with a qualified provider with safe and transparent practices. Since many kinds of stem cell therapy and stem cell therapy for most conditions are not currently FDA approved, it’s important to be aware of centers or individuals offering treatments that may not be regulated or proven. 

The most common side effects of stem cell injections are minor and include soreness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site, or temporary fatigue. 

More serious adverse effects are rare but may include infection, unintended immune responses, or nerve damage.

Who Is Stem Cell Therapy Right For? 

I’ve seen some patients do really well with stem cell-based therapy, when used at the right time and in the right way. It doesn’t work for everyone—factors like age, inflammation levels, and metabolic health can influence how an individual responds to stem cell therapy. 

This is just one reason why it’s so important to focus on your internal environment, with foundational strategies, first. Are you fueling your body with nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods? What are you feeding your mind? How is your sleep quality? Is your immune system reacting to something in your environment that we can get under control? 

These are some of the first things we need to address before I’m even thinking about something like stem cell therapy. That’s because the foundations are the most important things that influence your ability to heal and be healthy. And, even if stem cell therapy does end up being recommended, addressing the foundations can significantly improve your response to treatment. 

The healthier and more supported your internal ecosystem is, the more likely stem cells will be able to perform their regenerative functions. 

Stem cell therapy isn’t a quick fix or a shortcut. It can also be invasive and expensive. I don’t say that to discourage anyone who is pursuing this type of treatment, because again, it can be very effective. But I do think it’s important to understand the limitations of any therapy, and the context in which it’s a useful tool (and when it isn’t). 

Other Regenerative Therapies

Stem cell therapy is probably the best known and most talked about form of regenerative therapy. There are also several regenerative tools that are less invasive and can be very helpful tools for certain patients. 

One example is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. With PRP, a small amount of your own blood is drawn, and platelets are isolated and injected into the target area. PRP can help with musculoskeletal injuries, hair loss, and skin rejuvenation, and it’s often more accessible than stem cell therapy. However, like stem cell therapy, it’s not right for everyone and may be triggering for some with existing inflammatory or autoimmune issues. 

Another treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes is prolotherapy, in which a solution (usually dextrose) is injected to prompt the body’s repair response. This can also be used for joint issues and chronic pain. 

The Layers of Personalized Medicine

Stem cell therapy can offer powerful benefits for regeneration and healing. I’m eager to continue to follow the research advancements on stem cells and regenerative medicine in general. This is an exciting, evolving landscape. 

Ultimately, I view stem cell therapy as one tool in the toolbox, not a starting point, and something to be carefully considered in the context of each individual patient. 

Everyone has a completely unique set of circumstances and a different health profile. That, of course, is central to both functional medicine and personalized, regenerative medicine. 

For individualized guidance on your own health, please reach out to our telehealth practice. We would love to work with you.

As one of the first functional medicine telehealth clinics in the world, we provide webcam health consultations for people around the globe.

Sources

• Rees, W. D., Tandun, R., Yau, E., Zachos, N. C., & Steiner, T. S. (2020). Regenerative intestinal stem cells induced by acute and chronic injury: the saving grace of the epithelium?. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, 8, 583919.
• Ahmed, A. S. I., Sheng, M. H., Wasnik, S., Baylink, D. J., & Lau, K. H. W. (2017). Effect of aging on stem cells. World journal of experimental medicine, 7(1), 1.
• Hussen, B. M., Taheri, M., Yashooa, R. K., Abdullah, G. H., Abdullah, S. R., Kheder, R. K., & Mustafa, S. A. (2024). Revolutionizing medicine: recent developments and future prospects in stem-cell therapy. International Journal of Surgery, 110(12), 8002-8024.
• Huang, R., Li, W., Zhao, Y., Yang, F., & Xu, M. (2020). Clinical efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(11), e19434.
• Okano, H. (2025). Clinical trials test the safety of stem-cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
• Liu, X. Y., Yang, L. P., & Zhao, L. (2020). Stem cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. World journal of stem cells, 12(8), 787.
• Qiu, Y., Li, C., & Sheng, S. (2024). Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for Crohn’s disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 15(1), 28.
• Wu, L., Lu, J., Lan, T., Zhang, D., Xu, H., Kang, Z., … & Wang, J. (2024). Stem cell therapies: a new era in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1389697.
• Farabi, B., Roster, K., Hirani, R., Tepper, K., Atak, M. F., & Safai, B. (2024). The efficacy of stem cells in wound healing: a systematic review. International journal of molecular sciences, 25(5), 3006.
• Montserrat-Vazquez, S., Ali, N. J., Matteini, F., Lozano, J., Zhaowei, T., Mejia-Ramirez, E., … & Florian, M. C. (2022). Transplanting rejuvenated blood stem cells extends lifespan of aged immunocompromised mice. npj Regenerative Medicine, 7(1), 78.
• Zhang, Y., Chen, H., & Huang, C. (2023). Optimizing health-span: advances in stem cell medicine and longevity research. Medical Review, 3(4), 351-355.
• Wang, Y., Yi, H., & Song, Y. (2021). The safety of MSC therapy over the past 15 years: a meta-analysis. Stem cell research & therapy, 12(1), 545.