Objective To review the biochemical characteristics, appl ication progress, and prospects of the adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs). Methods The recent original experimental and cl inical l iterature about ADSCs was extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results ADSCs can be readily harvested in large numbers from adipose tissue with properties of stable prol iferation and potential differentiation in vitro. Significant progress of ADSCs is made in the animal experimentand the cl inical appl ication. It has been widely used in the cl inical treatment of cardiovascular disease, metabol ic disease, encephalopathy, and tissue engineering repair. Conclusion ADSCs have gradually replaced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and become the focused hot spot of regenerative medicine and stem cells.