Watch our Stem Cell 101 explanation 0:27His study, published Wednesday in the journal Regenerative Medicine, involved an extensive online search for direct-to-consumer websites offering stem cell therapies to Canadians. 2:06Most of the Canadian clinics identified by Turner offer stem cell treatments for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, pain relief and sports-related injuries. One B.C.-based company advertises stem cell treatments for a broad range of disorders, among them ALS, Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and erectile dysfunction. One company markets amniotic-derived stem cell products and stem cells said to be obtained from umbilical cords. 'A lot of it is placebo'Mick Bhatia, director of the Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Research Institute at McMaster University, said he is surprised and disheartened to see so many stem cell clinics popping up on Canadian soil.

Source: CBC News September 26, 2018 15:00 UTC