Stem cells derived from human menstrual blood have, in mice, prevented limbs with restricted blood flow from withering. Trials in humans facing amputations are expected to start next year.

Now Thomas Ichim, of MediStem, and his team have published a proof-of-principle study in mice, showing that the endometrial stem cells revitalise damaged limbs in much the same way that bone-marrow-derived stem cells do.

Last November, scientists working for MediStem Laboratories, in San Diego, California, announced that they had discovered adult stem cells within the menstrual blood collected from two women. They claimed the cells were shed from the endometrium, which lines the uterus and has to be rebuilt every month.

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