A fresh therapy utilizing stem cells and compounds derived from a ginger-family plant shows promise in treating atherosclerosis, a condition affecting over 500 million people worldwide, researchers announced Friday.
The treatment, detailed in a study published by researchers at multiple Chinese institutions and APL Bioengineering, involves encapsulating anti-inflammatory nanoparticles – synthesized from a compound extracted from a plant in the ginger family used in traditional Chinese medicine – within mesenchymal stem cells. This “sheath” directs the nanoparticles to areas of arterial plaque even as simultaneously evading the body’s immune response, according to the study.
Atherosclerosis, characterized by plaque buildup in arteries, can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Current treatments range from lifestyle changes and medication like aspirin and statins for mild cases, to surgery for severe instances. Researchers identified a gap in treatment options for patients with moderate atherosclerosis, where existing therapies may prove insufficient.
“If you are in the moderate stage of atherosclerosis, say, not that serious to do a surgery, but only controlling your cholesterol level is not enough, then what do you choose?” said Wenbo Han, an author of the study. “Our work is to find something to treat atherosclerosis at a moderate stage.”
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in a variety of conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and are already utilized in cancer treatments to target damaged tissues. Research published in 2018 by scientists at Sun Yat-sen University highlighted the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting their potential in controlling atherosclerosis. A more recent review published in January 2026, detailed the progress of stem cells in treating atherosclerosis, focusing on MSCs, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and their ability to regulate lipid metabolism and inhibit inflammation.
In laboratory tests, the nanoparticle-stem cell combination successfully circulated and accumulated in the blood of atherosclerotic mice without exhibiting toxicity. The treatment reduced plaque buildup and increased the presence of protective proteins within the arteries, researchers reported. The team described the plant-derived compound as a “gift from nature.”
“Our goal is to pave the way for more targeted and effective and gentle treatments for cardiovascular disease,” said Chuanrong Zhao, another author of the study.
The researchers are planning further trials, including studies on monkeys and eventually human clinical trials. The natural origins of both the nanoparticle component and the stem cell coating may also reduce the potential for adverse side effects compared to conventional pharmaceuticals, the team suggested.
