Identified herein is an active component of chicken eggshells, which is shown ex-vivo studies to have a stimulating effect on bone building cells (osteoblasts). The substance is a polypeptide mixture extracted from eggshells. It has been discovered herein that a composition comprising eggshell polypeptides stimulates osteoblasts, and has osteoinductive/osteogenic properties, hematopoietic properties, and cartilage formation or differentiation properties. The eggshell polypeptide extracts can be locally or systemically administered.