Evidence supporting the use of: Stem Cells
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Stem cells have been investigated as a potential treatment for congestive heart failure (CHF) due to their ability to differentiate into various cell types and possibly regenerate damaged cardiac tissue. The most studied types are bone marrow-derived stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and cardiac progenitor cells. Early-phase clinical trials and preclinical studies have shown that stem cell therapy can modestly improve left ventricular ejection fraction, reduce scar tissue, and enhance quality of life in some patients with CHF. However, the magnitude and durability of these benefits remain subjects of debate. Large, well-controlled randomized trials such as the BAMI trial and others have yielded mixed results, with some showing only marginal improvements and others finding no significant benefit over standard care. The proposed mechanisms by which stem cells may help include paracrine effects (release of growth factors that stimulate repair), reduction of fibrosis, and modest regeneration of cardiac muscle. Importantly, direct replacement of lost myocytes appears limited. As of 2024, stem cell therapy is still considered experimental for CHF and is not standard of care, but ongoing research continues to refine cell types, delivery methods, and patient selection criteria. Most scientific bodies recommend stem cell therapy only within clinical trial settings until more robust evidence is available.
Other ingredients used for Congestive Heart Failure
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)algal oil
arjun tree
astragalus
black garlic
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
fish oil
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginseng
hawthorn
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-taurine
marine lipid
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
nicotinamide riboside
omega-3 fatty acids
ophiopogon root
potassium
resveratrol
thiamin (vitamin B1)
ubiquinol
vitamin D
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
Arjuna
Allicin
Arginine orotate
Astragaloside
Arjunic Acid
Black Seed
Chinese Silkvine
Catecholamine
Cowherb
Docosahexaenoic Acid
Danshen
Digitalis
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Theophylline
Other health conditions supported by Stem Cells
ArthritisAutoimmune Disorders
Backache
Broken Bones
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Congestive Heart Failure
Crohn's Disease
Dementia
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Emphysema
Epilepsy
Fibrosis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Hepatitis
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Kidney Infection
Leukemia