Menstrual Blood Stem Cell Banking: Current Knowledge, Clinical Applications, and Future Prospects

Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) are a new, non-invasive, and ethically sound source of mesenchymal stem cells that hold great promise for regenerative applications. This paper discusses the existing state of research on MenSCs, focusing on their biology, harvest, isolation, and preservation via menstrual blood banking. MenSCs have a high proliferation rate, multipotency and immunomodulation, and can differentiate into diverse cell lineages, including neural, cardiac and osteogenic. Their ability to be obtained via regular menstrual cycles presents a renewable and accessible source of stem cells. The paper discusses the progress in freezing techniques and the development of menstrual blood banks. It also discusses the broad spectrum of clinical applications for MenSCs in regenerative medicine, central nervous system injuries, heart diseases, infertility, as well as metabolic and autoimmune diseases. Although standardization and awareness are needed, there is potential for MenSC banking in future applications of personalized and regenerative therapies.