SAN DIEGO -- A local biotech lab claims it has discovered a new type of stem cell source -- cells that only women can supply.

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A published report in the Journal Of Translational Medicine said MediStem of San Diego was able to clone adult human stem cells from the menstrual blood of 27 women.

"The cells can be easily extracted and you can make a lot of them with very simple technology," said Thomas Ichim, CEO of MediStem. They work, he said, "because they have a natural function which is to make new blood vessels."

The new process could avoid the ethical issues of using embryonic stem cells. And, according to the report, the cloned stem cells replicated faster than other stem cells in animal experiments.

According to Ichim, a Florida company has begun to offer a new option for those investing in the future of stem cell treatments -- women have already started banking their menstrual blood.

Some scientists are skeptical. One research company told NBC 7/39 that regardless of the source of stem cells, they're only valuable if you can actually turn them into a working cell within the human body -- which is rare.

MediStem, a publicly traded company said it has applied for patents on their stem cells and products made from those cells, which would use their stem cells in restoring circulation to damaged limbs.