ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation for ischemic stroke. MethodsWe electronically searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library (Issue 12, 2014), EMbase, CBM, CNKI and WanFang Data from inception to December 2014, to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BMSCs transplantation for ischemic stroke. Two reviewers independently screened literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 6 RCTs involving 332 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that, the BMSCs transplantation group was superior to the routine treatment group with significant differences in the neurologic deficits score (NIHSS score)(MD=-2.09, 95%CI -2.88 to -1.29, P<0.000 01), motor function (Fugl-Meyer rating scale) (MD=15.25, 95%CI 13.51 to 16.99, P<0.000 01) and daily life ability (Barthel index) (MD=20.04, 95%CI 9.91 to 30.17, P=0.000 1) after 3 months treatment. Two trials reported the adverse events including fever and headache, but the patients relieved in a brief period. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that BMSCs transplantation can improve the neurological deficits, motor function and daily life ability after ischemic stroke with less adverse effect. No serious adverse events are observed. However, more high quality studies are needed to confirm its effects for lowering rates of death and dependency of BMSC.