How does Apium graveolens lower blood pressure?

Apium graveolens seeds contain active compounds called phthalides, specifically 3-n-butylphthalide, which act as vasodilators to relax smooth muscles in blood vessel walls. This relaxation improves blood flow and reduces vascular resistance. Additionally, the herb promotes diuresis, helping the body eliminate excess sodium and fluid, which further contributes to lowering blood pressure (Evidence Level: C).

Can celery seed interact with blood pressure medications?

Yes, Apium graveolens may interact with antihypertensive drugs and diuretics. Because celery seed possesses natural diuretic properties and lowers blood pressure, taking it alongside prescription medications like furosemide or ACE inhibitors could cause blood pressure to drop too low (hypotension). Patients should monitor their blood pressure closely and consult a physician before combining these treatments (Evidence Level: C/Theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for Apium graveolens seed extract?

The standard adult dosage for Apium graveolens seed extract is typically 1000 to 1500 mg daily, often divided into two or three doses. This dosage is intended for therapeutic uses such as managing hypertension or gout. Consumers should follow specific product label instructions, as concentrations can vary between manufacturers (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is Apium graveolens safe to take during pregnancy?

No, medicinal doses of Apium graveolens are considered unsafe during pregnancy. The seeds contain volatile oils and constituents that can stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. While eating celery stalks as food is generally safe, pregnant women should strictly avoid concentrated seed supplements (Evidence Level: C).

Is celery seed effective for treating gout?

Celery seed is traditionally used to treat gout due to its diuretic action and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps the kidneys excrete excess uric acid, the compound responsible for gout crystals, and reduces joint inflammation. While clinical evidence is limited (Level C), it remains a popular supportive remedy in herbal medicine for managing gout flare-ups.

Apium graveolens (Apium graveolens)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Apium graveolens (celery) is a member of the Apiaceae family used as a food and medicinal herb with reported antihypertensive and antioxidant properties [PMID:35624525, PMID:28701046].

Background

Apium graveolens is an indigenous plant in the Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae) family [PMID:37570794]. It is a commercially important seed spice used in various forms, including fresh herbs, stalks, seeds, oil, and oleoresin [PMID:24188309].

Traditional uses

It has been used traditionally to treat gout, urinary infections, and arthritic conditions [PMID:37570794].

Active compounds

Active compounds include 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) [PMID:35624525, PMID:37570794], phenolic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acid), flavones (apigenin, luteolin), flavonols (kaempferol), tannins, and saponins [PMID:28701046, PMID:31464016]. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese [PMID:31464016], and volatile oils containing limonene and selinene [PMID:24188309].

Mechanism of action

Celery phytochemicals may decrease the activity of proinflammatory cytokines and suppress cardiovascular inflammation [PMID:31464016]. In isolated rat aorta, celery seed extract demonstrates a concentration-dependent vasorelaxant effect that is endothelium-dependent at lower concentrations [PMID:33628719]. In human A-549 cells, water extract may alleviate acute lung injury by reducing NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling [PMID:39670672].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BHypertension

Celery seed extract (1.34g/day) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from 141.2 ± 5.91 to 130.0 ± 4.38 mmHg over 4 weeks [PMID:35624525].

Evidence BAnxiety and Depression (in hypertensive patients)

Celery seed extract (1.34g/day) as a supplement to usual medication resulted in a mean reduction in Beck anxiety and depression inventory (BAI and BDI) scores [PMID:36334223].

Evidence BType 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Cardiometabolic factors)

Consumption of 750mg of celery powder significantly reduced body fat percentage in adults with T2DM [PMID:37701242].

Evidence BKnee Osteoarthritis

A combination of Apium graveolens L. seed extract (250 mg) and Boswellia serrata was studied for safety and efficacy in supporting cartilage health and reducing symptoms [PMID:39875757].

Evidence AHyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia

A meta-analysis of RCTs evaluated the efficacy of celery preparations in regulating blood glucose and lipid profiles [PMID:40765738].

Safety & adverse effects

No significant side effects were reported in clinical trials for hypertension [PMID:35624525]. However, celery can cause allergic reactions; patients sensitive to birch or mugwort pollens may show cross-reactivity to celery and other Apiaceae spices [PMID:1957997, PMID:10529586].

Evidence summary

Evidence ranges from high-level systematic reviews and meta-analyses for cardiometabolic factors to randomized controlled trials for hypertension and mental health, and scoping reviews for neurological applications.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35624525 (2022) — Effect of celery (Apium graveolens) seed extract on hypertension: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, clinical trial. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
2.PMID: 37570794 (2023) — Neurological Applications of Celery (Apium graveolens): A Scoping Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 28985183 (2017) — The effect of celery (Apium graveolens L.) on fertility: A systematic review. · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine
4.PMID: 28701046 (2017) — A Review of the Antioxidant Activity of Celery ( Apium graveolens L). · Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine
5.PMID: 31464016 (2019)

Apium graveolens

Sources & Citations