Effects of SRW® Stem on the functional properties, oxidative stress and inflammation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells

Background: Global population ageing has heightened the demand for anti-ageing nutritional interventions. Science Research Wellness (SRW®) Stem was designed by SRW® to address this demand with ingredients that improve stem cell function, which is central to protection against age-related decline. These ingredients include mitoquinol, sea buckthorn extract, fucoidan, oleuropein, and vitamin D3. Objectives: We compared the effects of SRW® Stem on the functions of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) with those of mitoquinol alone, which is known to improve these functions. Design: In vitro assays, including CCK-8 for cell viability, trypan blue exclusion, colony formation, transwell migration, adipogenic differentiation, ROS/glutathione analysis, and cytokine profiling under oxidative stress, were used to assess proliferation, migration, and differentiation capacities, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of the SRW® Stem. Results: Results demonstrated that SRW® Stem 5 and 10 μg/mL significantly (P < 0.05 for all) enhanced proliferation, colony formation, and migration, and promoted adipogenic differentiation in the hUC-MSCs, compared with vehicle control and mitoquinol (positive control). Under oxidative stress, SRW® Stem significantly reduced (P < 0.001 for all) intracellular ROS, increased glutathione synthesis, suppressed IL-1β secretion, and restored IL-10 production in hUC-MSCs. Discussions: These findings indicated that SRW® Stem 5 and 10 μg/mL exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative effects on hUC-MSCs, outperforming mitoquinol across most parameters. Conclusions: The results highlighted the potential of SRW® Stem as an anti-ageing intervention and a supportive agent in stem cell-based therapies. Further investigations in animal models and clinical trials are warranted to validate its efficacy.