What it is
"Stem cells" is a broad umbrella term for cells that can renew themselves and can give rise to other, more specialized cell types. It includes several families, such as embryonic stem cells, blood-forming (hematopoietic) stem cells, and others found in various tissues.
"Mesenchymal stromal cells" (often abbreviated MSCs) are cells that scientists have isolated from tissues such as bone marrow, fat, and umbilical cord material. Many researchers prefer the word "stromal" because lab-grown populations are mixed, and it is not always clear that every cell in them behaves like a true stem cell. You will also see the name "mesenchymal stem cells," which is the older and still very common term.
So the short answer is that MSCs are one type of cell that sometimes gets called a stem cell, but not every stem cell is an MSC. The terms matter because marketing often uses "stem cell" loosely, which can make very different products sound the same.
How it’s traditionally been approached
In research settings, MSCs have been studied in laboratories and in registered clinical studies for many years. Scientists look at how these cells behave, what signals they release, and whether they might play a role in supporting tissues. Much of this work is still investigational.
The best-established use of stem cells in medicine is blood-forming (hematopoietic) cell transplantation, which is done in specialist transplant centers for certain blood and immune disorders. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for those specific uses.
Outside of that, many clinics offer MSC, adipose or SVF, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, perinatal, or exosome products. These are generally not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products. No exosome product is FDA-approved. Evidence for these uses is limited or still being studied.
How the right provider may help
A licensed clinician, such as a physician in orthopedics or a related specialty, may help you understand where a particular product sits on the spectrum from approved to investigational. A visit generally starts with a conversation about your history, your goals, and an evaluation. Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you, and nothing here promises any result.
Some people also connect with MSC clinical research sites, where studies are run under formal oversight. A provider there may explain what a study is testing, who may qualify, and what the risks and alternatives are, so you can make an informed choice.
Helpful questions to ask: Is this product FDA-approved, and for what? Is the study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, and is there IRB oversight? Is your license current with the state medical board? Will I receive written informed consent covering risks and alternatives? What other options exist, including non-cell approaches?
The whole-person view
Body, mind, and stress affect one another. Worry about a health concern can influence sleep, tension, and how we feel day to day, and physical discomfort can in turn affect mood. Looking at the whole person is a reasonable way to approach any health question.
Some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences to build awareness of how stress shows up in the body, and others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus helpful while they weigh complicated choices. These are supportive options and do not change the FDA status of any product.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Holistic or alternative medicine framing never changes a product's FDA status, and unapproved products remain unapproved.
- Be cautious of red flags: cure-all or "treats everything" claims, paying to join a "clinical trial," testimonials offered in place of evidence, and pressure to travel abroad or across states for treatment.
- Serious conditions should be guided by licensed professionals. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
- This page is educational only and is not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician about your situation.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between mesenchymal stromal cells and stem cells?
Stem cells are a broad category of cells that can renew themselves and give rise to other cell types, while mesenchymal stromal cells are one specific kind of cell often grouped under that umbrella. Many researchers use "stromal" because lab-grown MSC populations are mixed and may not all act as true stem cells. Not every stem cell is an MSC.
Are mesenchymal stromal cells the same as mesenchymal stem cells?
The two names are used for the same general type of cell, but "stromal" is the more cautious scientific term. "Mesenchymal stem cells" is the older name and is still widely used, including in marketing. The naming difference does not change a product's FDA status.
Are MSC treatments FDA-approved?
No, most MSC treatments offered by clinics are not FDA-approved. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders, used in specialist transplant settings. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell products, so ask a provider about any product's status.
Is stem cell therapy the same as MSC therapy?
No, stem cell therapy is a broad phrase and MSC therapy refers to just one kind of cell product. Blood-forming stem cell transplants are very different from clinic-based MSC, adipose, or umbilical cord products. Ask exactly which cells are used and whether they are FDA-approved or part of a registered study.
Where do mesenchymal stromal cells come from?
They can be taken from tissues such as bone marrow, fat, and umbilical cord material. The source and how cells are processed can vary, which is one reason products are not interchangeable. A licensed clinician can explain what a specific product contains and its regulatory status.
How can I check whether a stem cell clinic or study is legitimate?
Verify the product's FDA status, confirm the study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight, and check the clinician's license with your state medical board. Ask for written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives. Be wary of cure-all claims, fees to join a "trial," testimonials instead of evidence, and pressure to travel for treatment.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.