ABSTRACT:
Stem cells are the future of the regenerative medicines. Stem cells are having the capacity for differentiation and self-renewal which makes it different from other cells. The umbilical cord is one of the rich sources of stem cells. These stem cells are collected during the postnatal period. It can give three types of cells- hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and non- hematopoietic multipotent stem cells. Cord blood cells can be stored in cord blood bank and can be used whenever required. Umbilical cord stem cells can treat various dreadful diseases. They are used for the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and blood-borne diseases. Umbilical cord stem cells can be used for various clinical applications. Cord stem cells have many therapeutic uses, and future research and studies in this area are requiredin order to exploit the full potential of stem cells for the benefit of mankind. In this review, we have tried to highlight some basic features of umbilical cord stem cells along with its isolation, proliferation, identification, and differentiation. We have focussed mainly on the hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells as much work on the non- hematopoietic multipotent stem cells has not been done. We have also discussed about the therapeutic future of the umbilical cord stem cells.