Menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs), first discovered in 2007, could hold groundbreaking potential in regenerative medicine, offering new possibilities for treating chronic and degenerative diseases. Yet, until recently, the cells remained underexplored. Their promise, however, has been ushered into the spotlight thanks to a recent viral TikTok video featuring doctoral research scientist Alice van der Schoot. In the 30-second clip, Schoot highlights research that positions these supercharged stem cells as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Menstrual blood stem cells (MenSCs), found in the uterine lining, are notable for their rapid replication, doubling in just 19 hours compared to the two to eight days required for bone marrow stem cells. Perhaps even more remarkable is their accessibility; ‘Likely the greatest plus of menstrual blood stem cells is how easy they are to obtain—no invasive procedures are required,’ explains Dr. David Woznica, a regenerative medicine physician at Woz Wellness. Their potential has already been demonstrated in a 2018 study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, which reported that MenSCs cleared brain plaque when injected into mice and improved memory.
While the presence of stem cells in period blood is a relatively new discovery, regenerative cells have long been known to exist throughout the human body. Longstanding research on bone marrow, which demonstrated its ability to treat conditions like leukemia and lymphoma, established it as the cornerstone of stem cell therapies. This focus has left alternative sources like the stem cells found in menstrual blood largely underutilized. Cultural taboos, underfunding of female-specific health issues, and systemic bias in medical research have all contributed to this oversight.
Breakthroughs in menstrual blood stem cells could offer treatments for conditions like autoimmune disorders and inflammation and even aid in repairing tissue damage caused by heart attacks, along with a host of other degenerative diseases. Christian Drapeau, an expert stem cell scientist, researcher, author, and founder of Stemregen, revealed that MenSCs are already being studied with “very promising results” for wound healing, diabetes, brain disorders like Alzheimer’s, and more. As research continues to uncover their remarkable capabilities, MenSCs could pave the way for groundbreaking treatments that make healthcare more innovative and accessible to patients worldwide.
SOURCES
https://www.stemregen.co/pages/about
https://www.newsweek.com/menstrual-blood-stem-cells-viral-tiktok-regenerative-medicine-2011861
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-neuroscience/about#about-scope