Stem cells are classified as two different types of cells: those that are from embryonic origin, giving rise to the spine, nerves, and organs, and those adult stem cells, which are primarily used to repair, replenish, and regenerate tissue.

Stem Cell Origins
Historically, stem cells can come from a variety of tissue, including the umbilical cord, fetal tissue, bone marrow, or adipose. Adipose is the best source, as adipose-derived stem cells have the highest number of cells. The insertion of cells or tissue back into the body from which they were removed is known as autologous therapy, the preferred method of stem cell therapy.

Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research in the United States has been in existence for over 60 years. There are a wide range of studies and articles describing its benefit for chronic diseases. For instance, Stem Cells Express published an article about new research that indicates that stem cells benefit a large number of tissues and organs damaged by diabetes, which affects approximately 29.1 million people in the United States.

Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy has proven beneficial in treating a range of chronic conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, erectile dysfunction, arthritis, joint pain, stroke, heart and kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.

Typically, stem cell therapy is done within two weeks of an initial consultation. On the day of the procedure, stem cells are extracted from abdominal belly fat, love handles, or around the buttocks, areas of fat than yield over a billion cells. Patients then sit and relax while the processing is done. These cells are washed and centrifuged three times to allow for the separation of cells and the harvest of stem cells.

At the end of the procedure, a microscopic analysis can estimate the number of stem cells available for intravenous injection into connective tissue, muscle, or for all other organs or systemic diseases. The intranasal technique is also used for multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Stem cell therapy can also be used for joint pain from sports injuries or arthritis. For this purpose, stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint, shoulder, or knee. From there, they begin to repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The new cells will continue to divide, helping along the healing process. In a study published by the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, stem cells were shown to suppress a complicated inflammation mechanism. Patients that suffer from rheumatoid arthritis have an immune system that sends specialized T-cells to attack their tissues; stem cells derived from fat can help decrease this inflammatory mechanism.

The numerous uses of stem cells are also proving to be extremely beneficial for the skin, as a number of skin care companies are utilizing human and plant stem cells in their products. From inhibiting the signs of Alzheimer's to its anti-aging potential, the wonderful world of stem cells is just starting to be utilized and the best is yet to come.