Stem Cells

5 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Description

Stem Cells are a group of Cells capable of differentiating into other (more specialized) types of Cells.

 

A large number of Stem Cells are located within the Lymphoid Tissue of Bone Marrow.  Other areas that contain Stem Cells include the Brain, Blood, Blood Vessels, Skeletal Muscle, Skin and Liver.

 

Biological Function of Stem Cells

Cardiovascular System

 Hematopoietic Stem Cells are precursors for the manufacture of Red Blood Cells.

 

Immune System

 Hematopoietic Stem Cells are precursors for the manufacture of White Blood Cells.

 

These Substances may Enhance the Function of Stem Cells

Carbohydrates

 Fucoidan may mobilize Stem Cells from the Bone Marrow and in some cases may recruit Stem Cells to begin intricate repair processes.  [1]

 

Growth Factors

 Stem Cell Factor (SCF) stimulates the proliferation of Stem Cells.

 

Hormones

 Erythropoietin stimulates Stem Cells to develop into Red Blood Cells (rather than developing into White Blood Cells).

 

Minerals

 Lithium may stimulate Stem Cells.  [2]

 

Peptides

 Carnosine may simulate the proliferation of Stem Cells.  [3]

 

Proteins

 Phycocyanin (a constituent of Spirulina) may enhance the function of StemCells.  [4]

 

Vitamins

 Vitamin A may stimulate the differentiation of Stem Cells.  [5]

 Vitamin D may stimulate the proliferation of Stem Cells.  [6]

 

These Foods/Herbs may Enhance the Function of Stem Cells

Algae

 Spirulina may enhance the function of Stem Cells (due to the Phycocyanin content of Spirulina).  [7]

 

Fruit

 Blueberry may stimulate the proliferation of Stem Cells.  [8]

 

Herbs

 Echinacea may stimulate Stem Cells. 

Keep reading Stem Cells

  • Stem Cell Therapy
  • Sources of Stem Cells
  • Classes of Stem Cells
  • Populations of Stem Cells
  • Plasticity and Transdifferentiation
  • Uses for Stem Cell Therapy
  • Every cited reference behind this topic
  • All 5,000+ interlinked topics, search and notes

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