Small natural magics: stem cells

In multicellular organisms, cells take precise forms endowed with specialized functions during their differentiation cycle. This is how our body can function.

In the field of cytology, a hot topic that arouses a great deal of attention is that of stem cells.

The potential of stem cells in human organisms

When we talk about stem cells, we mean those undifferentiated cells that are able to transform themselves, reproducing into other cells that are the same as the primitive ones or into yet others that perform a certain function or specific tasks.

Their characteristic feature lies precisely in the fact that they can reproduce many times to provide new cells, and as they divide they have a dual potential: to transform into other stem cells or into different cell types with different functions.

Their activity is really important in an organism, as they are able to replace or repair injured parts by being activated to produce new cells.

According to studies, in adult organisms it appears that, for each organ, there is a specific type of stem cells ( located in well-protected sites such as bone marrow and human tissues), referred to as unipotent, that are involved in the repair of the same through their reproduction.

Of all of them, the most interesting type of stem cell is the embryonic, the one that has the potential to give rise to any type of cell in the human body, such as tissue or whole organs. This type of stem cell, also called totipotent, is present in the umbilical cord, amniotic fluid and also appears to be present in breast milk.

Plant stem cells and cosmetics

The basal part of the epidermis, called the nickel, contains epidermal stem cells. They are the ones that guarantee supple, glowing and perfectly regenerated skin.

With the passage of time, due to a whole series of internal and external factors: such as hormonal changes, genetics, more or less healthy and stressful lifestyles, abuse of drugs or chemicals, and environmental factors such as photoaging skin aging manifests itself to a greater or lesser degree in all humans.

The phenomenon of photoaging, related to sun exposure, has a particularly destructive action on cell renewal resulting in the reduction of hydroacidolipid film thickness, increased dryness and loss of hydration and softness.

Unlike human stem cells, in the plant world stem cells are meristematic, that is, they can give rise to different plant tissues.

In cosmetics, the use of plant stem cells, such as those from Apple, in some products designed for skin care are showing amazing results.

Due to their content of mineral salts, sugars, proteins, and highly bioavailable amino acids, important responses in aging prevention, stimulation of cell regeneration, brightness, increased firmness and elasticity of the complexion have been obtained.

Edited by Manuela Frigatti