Evidence Before Decision
A transparent, evidence-graded research database for SVF stem cells
We do not sell treatments. We summarise the published research and state clearly what has not been proven, so you can decide with your doctor.
- 28,315
- Studies
- 1,028
- Clinical studies
- 32
- Conditions
- 9
- Body areas
Sourced from PubMed 1990–2026 · last updated 17 August 2026
The 5-level evidence system
Learn more- Level A
Stronger Clinical Evidence
Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.
- Level B
Emerging Clinical Evidence
Several human studies exist, but sample sizes, methodology, or follow-up remain limited, so conclusions are not firm.
- Level C
Early Human Research
Early human evidence such as case series or small samples, often without a control group.
- Level D
Preclinical Evidence
Evidence comes from animal or laboratory studies and has not been confirmed in humans.
- Insufficient
Insufficient Evidence
There is currently not enough data to draw conclusions about benefit or risk for this topic.
Explore by body area
View allFace & Skin
Level BSkin rejuvenation, wrinkles, skin quality, scars
Hair & Scalp
Level CHair loss, hair regeneration, hair follicle
Knee
Level AKnee osteoarthritis, cartilage, meniscus
Shoulder
Level CRotator cuff, tendon, shoulder pain
Arm & Elbow
InsufficientElbow, tendon, ligament
Back & Spine
Level CBack pain, disc degeneration, spine research
Hip
Level CHip osteoarthritis, joint pain
Ankle & Foot
Level CAnkle, foot, tendon, cartilage
Systemic / IV
InsufficientIV SVF, systemic administration, safety
Research worth reading
View all- Level ARandomized Controlled Trial
Cell-based versus corticosteroid injections for knee pain in osteoarthritis: a randomized phase 3 trial
A multicentre randomized trial in 480 knee osteoarthritis patients comparing SVF, BMAC and umbilical cord MSCs against corticosteroid injection. At 12 months no cell product outperformed the steroid control.
- 2023
- United States
- n = 480
- Level AMeta-analysis
Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells or Stromal Vascular Fractions: Are They Effective for Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis? A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Pooled five RCTs comparing ADSC/SVF injection with placebo or hyaluronic acid, finding significant pain and function improvement at 6 and 12 months.
- 2023
- South Korea
- Level AMeta-analysis
Rapid-acting pain relief in knee osteoarthritis: autologous-cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells outperform stromal vascular fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Analysed 31 studies with 1,406 patients: cultured ADMSCs reduced pain from month 3, whereas SVF reached significance only at 12 months.
- 2024
- South Korea
- n = 1406
- Level BMeta-analysis
Clinical Efficacy of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Versus Stromal Vascular Fraction Injection in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Synthesised clinical studies of a single intra-articular BMAC or SVF injection to compare effect sizes for pain and function.
- 2022
- United States
- Level BSystematic Review
Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Screened 172 articles and included 22; most reported safety and improved clinical outcomes, but designs varied widely.
- 2023
- Russia / Italy
- Level CSystematic Review
Limited evidence for adipose-derived stem cell therapy on the treatment of osteoarthritis
A systematic review of 16 studies (14 knee, 1 ankle, 1 multiple joints): all reported clinical improvement, but preparation methods and outcome reporting were inconsistent.
- 2018
- United States
Read the safety picture first
Every procedure carries risk, and SVF is not standard care for most indications.