Disclosed is a use of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate and derivatives thereof in preparing drugs, culture media, regulating agents or cosmetic and skin caring products for maintaining self-renewal and pluripotency of stem cells. The stem cells comprise adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Also disclosed is a use of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate and the derivatives thereof in in-vitro amplification of stem cells and preparation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and a use of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate and the derivatives thereof in preparing drugs for treating cell deletion or injury diseases.
