# Apium graveolens (Celeriac)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/apium-graveolens
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** celery root, knob celery, turnip-rooted celery, German celery, root celery, céleri-rave, sedano rapa, Knollensellerie

## Overview

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is a root vegetable rich in phenolic compounds including quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, which drive its antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. These flavonoids modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes such as COX-2, based primarily on preclinical evidence.

## Health Benefits

["\u2022 Provides [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects, attributed in laboratory studies to its phenolic compounds like quercetin and luteolin (preclinical evidence).[1]", "\u2022 Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in vitro, linked to compounds such as apigenin and coumarins (preclinical evidence).[1][3]", "\u2022 May support chemotherapy efficacy, as its compounds apigenin and naringenin showed inhibitory activity against a protein linked to chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer cells (preclinical evidence).[1]", "\u2022 Supplies key minerals for general health, including potassium (300-500 mg/100g), copper (0.11 mg/100g), and manganese (0.16-0.20 mg/100g) (nutritional data).[1]", "\u2022 Contains a rich profile of flavonoids, with a total of 2.59 mg per 100g of fresh root, which contribute to its antioxidant potential (phytochemical analysis).[1]"]

## Mechanism of Action

Quercetin and luteolin in celeriac scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and chelate metal ions, reducing oxidative damage at the cellular level. Apigenin inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and suppresses NF-κB signaling, thereby dampening [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. Coumarins present in celeriac may further contribute to anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme pathways, based on in vitro data.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting celeriac's health benefits derives from in vitro cell studies and animal models rather than controlled human clinical trials. Preclinical studies have demonstrated measurable antioxidant capacity using DPPH and FRAP assays, with phenolic extracts showing dose-dependent [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been observed in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage models, where apigenin-rich fractions reduced TNF-α and IL-6 secretion. Human clinical data on standardized celeriac extracts are currently lacking, meaning efficacy and optimal dosing in humans remain unestablished.

## Nutritional Profile

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) per 100g raw: Calories ~42 kcal, Carbohydrates ~9.2g (of which sugars ~1.6g), Dietary Fiber ~1.8g, Protein ~1.5g, Fat ~0.3g, Water ~88g. Key Micronutrients: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) ~41 µg (34% DV), Vitamin C ~8 mg (9% DV), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) ~0.16 mg (10% DV), Phosphorus ~115 mg (16% DV), Potassium ~300 mg (6% DV), Magnesium ~20 mg (5% DV), Calcium ~43 mg (4% DV), Manganese ~0.16 mg (7% DV), Iron ~0.7 mg (4% DV), Folate ~8 µg (2% DV). Bioactive Compounds: Phenolic acids including caffeic acid (~10-30 mg/100g), chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid; Flavonoids including apigenin, luteolin, and quercetin (collectively estimated 15-50 mg/100g depending on cultivar and growing conditions); Phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide, sedanolide) contributing to characteristic aroma and reported bioactivity; Coumarins including bergapten and isopimpinellin (furanocoumarins, present in small amounts, typically <1 mg/100g); Naringenin as a minor flavanone constituent. Bioavailability Notes: Vitamin K1 absorption is fat-dependent and enhanced when consumed with dietary fat; phenolic compound bioavailability is moderate and influenced by food matrix and gut microbiota [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); phthalides are lipophilic and may have enhanced absorption with fat co-ingestion; cooking (boiling, steaming) can reduce water-soluble vitamin C content by 30-50% and leach water-soluble polyphenols, while lightly steaming preserves more bioactives compared to boiling.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for celeriac extracts, powders, or standardized forms are available, as human trials are absent. Phytochemical analyses note polyphenol contents, such as 2.61 mg per 100g fresh root, but this is not a dosing recommendation.[1] Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celeriac is generally regarded as safe when consumed as a food, but concentrated extracts may cause allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with celery or Apiaceae family allergies, including cross-reactivity with birch pollen. Furanocoumarins present in celeriac can inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially increasing plasma levels of drugs metabolized by this pathway such as statins, calcium channel blockers, and certain immunosuppressants. Pregnant women should avoid high-dose extracts or supplements, as psoralen-type compounds may have uterotonic effects; culinary amounts are considered safe. Individuals on anticoagulants such as warfarin should exercise caution, as vitamin K content and coumarin derivatives may alter clotting parameters.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses on celeriac (*Apium graveolens* var. *rapaceum*) were identified in the research dossier. All available evidence is limited to phytochemical profiling and in vitro (laboratory) studies, for which no PMIDs were provided.[1][2][3]

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier does not document any specific historical or traditional medicine uses for celeriac. It is primarily noted as a nutrient-dense food and culinary ingredient rather than a traditional medicinal herb.[1][4]

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Turmeric (Curcumin), Green Tea Extract (EGCG), Vitamin C

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in celeriac?

Celeriac contains several bioactive phenolics including the flavonoids quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, as well as coumarins and phthalides. It also provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and phosphorus. The flavonoid and coumarin fractions are primarily responsible for the observed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in laboratory studies.

### Is celeriac anti-inflammatory?

Celeriac demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity in preclinical models, primarily attributed to apigenin and coumarins inhibiting COX-2 and suppressing NF-κB-driven cytokine release. In vitro studies using macrophage cell lines show reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels following treatment with celeriac phenolic extracts. However, no large-scale human clinical trials have confirmed these effects at dietary or supplemental doses.

### Can celeriac interact with medications?

Yes, celeriac contains furanocoumarins that can inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4, which metabolizes many common medications including statins, calcium channel blockers, and cyclosporine, potentially raising their blood levels to harmful ranges. Its natural coumarin content may also have additive effects when combined with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin. Anyone taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using concentrated celeriac extracts or supplements.

### How does celeriac differ from celery nutritionally?

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is the root variant of the same species as celery (var. dulce) and shares similar phenolic compounds including apigenin and luteolin, but differs in its denser nutrient profile per gram due to its starchy root composition. Celeriac is notably higher in phosphorus and dietary fiber compared to celery stalks. Both contain phthalides, but celeriac root extracts typically yield higher concentrations of total phenolics than the above-ground celery varieties.

### Is celeriac safe during pregnancy?

Culinary use of celeriac during pregnancy is generally considered safe and provides useful nutrients including folate, vitamin K, and fiber. However, high-dose celeriac supplements or concentrated extracts should be avoided during pregnancy because psoralen-type furanocoumarins may exert uterotonic effects and because safety data from controlled human studies are absent. Pregnant individuals should limit intake to normal food amounts and consult a healthcare provider before using any celeriac-based supplement.

### What is the most bioavailable form of celeriac for supplementation?

Celeriac can be consumed as whole food, juice, powder extract, or dried supplement form, with fresh consumption generally providing the highest bioavailability of heat-sensitive compounds like phenolic antioxidants. Standardized extracts may concentrate specific compounds such as apigenin and quercetin, though processing can reduce some volatile phytonutrients. Fermented or lightly cooked forms may enhance bioavailability of certain minerals and reduce antinutrient factors that can inhibit mineral absorption.

### Who benefits most from celeriac supplementation?

Individuals seeking additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support may benefit from celeriac, particularly those with limited vegetable intake or inflammatory conditions. People interested in phytonutrient-dense foods for overall wellness, rather than those with specific medical conditions, represent the primary user population. Those following whole-food or nutrient-dense dietary approaches benefit most, as celeriac is classified as a USDA nutrient-dense food.

### How strong is the scientific evidence for celeriac's health effects?

Current evidence for celeriac's benefits is primarily preclinical, derived from laboratory and in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of its compounds (quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and coumarins). Human clinical trials specifically evaluating celeriac supplementation are limited, so efficacy claims are not yet established at the clinical evidence level. The ingredient shows promise based on its phytonutrient composition, but more rigorous human studies are needed to confirm therapeutic benefits.

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