Plant alternatives to stem cell mobilizing factors, which help a greater proportion of stem cells to leave the bone marrow into the bloodstream, are also known, according to recent research. In addition to mobilization, some of them presumably support the self-renewal of stem cells, thereby supporting the regeneration of the organism.
One of the potentials of uses for stimulation and mobilization of stem cells is to fight anemia, which often develops as a result of chemotherapy.
According to scientific studies, Ganoderma lucidum counteracted the detrimental effects of cyclo-phosphamide and vinorelbine chemo-therapeutic agents on the formation of blood cells in animal experiments.
AFA algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) contain a natural source of bioavailable iron, which is crucial for red blood cell production and combating iron-deficiency anemia; it is also a good source of vitamin B12 (especially important for vegans), which supports the production of healthy red blood cells and helps prevent megaloblastic anemia. Its high antioxidant and nutrient density (including amino acids and minerals) can help combat fatigue and improve overall energy levels, which are common symptoms of anemia.
Studies provide preliminary evidence that AFA algae may stimulate stem cell production, potentially supporting bone marrow function and red blood cell production
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When cerebral blood arteries become blocked, a condition known as ischemic stroke may develop. When the blockage is released, fresh, oxygen-rich blood flows into the tissues, causing ischemic/reperfusion injury, which is the deterioration of already damaged brain cells. When a stroke develops, immediate action is crucial to limit neuronal death to the smallest area possible of the brain.
Many herbal ingredients are known to help repair the damaged condition that develops during the stroke and subsequent reperfusion. Primarily,
As antioxidants, they protect neurons and tissue stem cells from reactive oxygen radicals, which are caused by oxidative stress from re-supplying oxygen to the damaged brain area.
Moreover, several plant compounds have been shown to stimulate neural progenitor and neural stem cell division and neurogenesis, hence enhancing brain regeneration and promoting recovery.
Such herbal substances are proanthocyanidins in grape seeds, and fucoidan from brown algae, but the consumption of the lingzhi mushroom also has a beneficial effect resulting in animal studies.
The mitigation of ischemic/reperfusion damage may be supported by vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and the rutin flavonoid, reducing the deteriorating effect of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Recent studies have explored the neuroprotective properties of AFA algae, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. One study investigated the effects of an AFA extract on neuronal cells exposed to oxidative stress and amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide toxicity, both of which are associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings indicated that AFA exhibited antioxidant properties, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibited Aβ aggregation, suggesting a protective role against mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration.
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Fucoidan can increase the regenerative capacity of the body by stimulating stem cells. In an experiment with mice, fucoidan was able to mobilize vascular wall stem cells and cardiac stem cells (scientifically known as endothelial and cardiac progenitors). Their percentages increased by 70% and by 25%, respectively.
This elevated stem cell count helped to maintain the normal vascularization of a transplanted organ, and new artery wall cells were formed to replace the dead cells in the inflamed vessel wall. The stem cell mobilizing effect of fucoidan was observed also for humans.
You can read more about the artery wall protective effect of fucoidan in the following post: Fucoidan: Stem Cell Mobilization And Artery Wall Protection
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) algae has been studied for its potential effects on the vascular system, particularly concerning its influence on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilization and lipid metabolism.
A study in 2020 investigated the impact of short-term (48 hours) and long-term (up to 38 days) supplementation with AFA algae extract on the number of circulating CD34+ cells, a marker for HSCs, in healthy individuals. The findings revealed that short-term consumption of AFA extract significantly increased the total number of peripheral CD34+ cells compared to baseline levels and placebo-treated subjects.
Long-term supplementation with AFA, in combination with curcuminoids and sulforaphane, also resulted in a sustained increase in CD34+ cells. Enhanced HSC mobilization is associated with improved vascular repair and maintenance, suggesting a positive effect of AFA on the vascular system.
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The link between cells and regeneration is currently one of the most intensively researched fields. Understanding it promises solutions that can overcome some diseases that have been considered incurable, and therefore receive more and more attention.
According to novel scientific research, the regenerative capacity of the body can be increased by stimulating and mobilizing the endogenously formed stem cells inside the body.
Stem cells can be divided into 2 main types: 1) embryonic stem cells, which have high pluripotency, so they can transform (differentiate) into almost any cell, and 2) adult or somatic stem cells, which have lower pluripotency and are generally considered to be progenitor cells of that tissue they can be found. In terms of function, adult stem cells are responsible for the maintenance and regeneration of specific tissues, and for the replenishment of damaged and dead cells.
Stem cells are everywhere in our body to ensure rapid and efficient tissue regeneration. There are types of stem cells that stay in the tissues throughout, while other stem cells circulate in the body. The latter are located most of the time in the bone marrow, some of which enter the bloodstream. Then, they either return to the bone marrow or enter the tissues from circulation to fulfill their function.
This intra-organizational circulation is mostly characteristic of hematopoietic stem cells (stem cells giving rise to elements of the blood and immune system), but mesenchymal stem cells (MSC, especially cartilage, fat, bone-type differentiation, but can differentiate to muscle and even neuronal direction) and endothelial progenitor cells (vascular progenitor cells) may also circulate in the blood.
Stem cells circulating in the body can enter the tissues and meet stimuli (such as damage to a particular tissue) that cause them to stay in place and differentiate into target cells. By default, only a small amount of stem cells circulate in the bloodstream, but after consuming certain plants, the number of stem cells entering the bloodstream from the bone marrow increase, which can elevate the regenerative potential.
Due to the aging process, adverse environmental effects, and unfavorable eating and lifestyle habits, the number of circulating stem cells can decrease over time, which negatively affects our body’s regeneration abilities. In such cases, the so-called stem cell mobilizers are necessary.