Platelet-rich preparations have recently gained popularity in maxillofacial and dental surgery, but their beneficial effect is still under debate. Furthermore, very little is known about the effect of platelet preparations at the cellular level, and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we tested the effect of platelet-released supernatant (PRS) on human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation towards an osteoblastic phenotypein vitro. Cultures of MSC were supplemented with PRS and typical osteoblastic markers were assessed at up to 28 days post-confluence. PRS showed an osteoinductive effect on MSC, as shown by an increased expression of typical osteoblastic marker genes such as collagen Ialpha1, bone sialoprotein II, BMP-2 and MMP-13, as well as by increased 45Ca2+ incorporation. Our results suggest that the effect of PRS on human MSC could be at least partially mediated by BMP-2.Activated autologous PRS could therefore provide an alternative to agents like recombinant bone growth factors by increasing osteoblastic differentiation of bone precursor cells at bone repair sites, although further studies are needed to fully support our observations.