# Celeriac Stalks (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/celeriac-stalks
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Vegetable
**Also Known As:** Apium graveolens var. rapaceum, Celery root stalks, Turnip-rooted celery stems, Knob celery stalks, Root celery aerial parts, Celeriac greens, Celeri-rave tiges

## Overview

Celeriac stalks (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) contain bioactive phthalides, flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin, and polyacetylenes that modulate NF-κB signaling to suppress [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. These compounds collectively contribute to observed anti-inflammatory and putative [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health)-supportive effects documented in preclinical and related-species research.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Ethanolic extracts reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) in macrophage studies (preliminary evidence)
• Potential cardiovascular support: Related celery seed studies show [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction, though no celeriac-specific trials exist (indirect evidence)
• Possible metabolic benefits: Celery seed trials demonstrated reduced triglycerides and VLDL, but celeriac stalks lack clinical data (indirect evidence)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Contains flavones like apigenin and hydroxycinnamic acids with known antioxidant properties (preliminary evidence)
• May support healthy inflammatory response: Suppressed iNOS and COX-2 mRNA expression in vitro (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Apigenin and luteolin in celeriac stalks inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation, thereby downregulating transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in activated macrophages. Phthalides such as 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) act as calcium channel antagonists in smooth muscle cells, promoting vasodilation and potentially lowering peripheral vascular resistance. Polyacetylenes may additionally inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme activity, reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis and amplifying the [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) response.

## Clinical Summary

Direct clinical trials on celeriac stalks are absent from the published literature as of 2024; available evidence derives from in vitro macrophage models using ethanolic extracts, which demonstrated reductions in TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β under lipopolysaccharide-stimulated conditions. Extrapolated cardiovascular data from celery seed (Apium graveolens) trials—including a small randomized controlled trial of 30 participants—showed statistically significant reductions in systolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) of approximately 8 mmHg, but direct applicability to celeriac stalks is unconfirmed. Animal studies on related Apium graveolens varieties indicate diuretic and antihypertensive activity at doses equivalent to roughly 500–1000 mg/kg body weight, though human dose translation remains speculative. Overall, the evidence base is preliminary and indirect; celeriac stalk-specific human trials are needed before any therapeutic claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Celeriac stalks (the leafy green stems attached to the celeriac bulb) share compositional similarities with celery but have limited dedicated nutritional databases. Based on available data for the whole plant (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum aerial parts): Macronutrients per 100g fresh weight — Calories: ~16-20 kcal; Carbohydrates: ~3.5-4.0g (of which dietary fiber ~1.5-2.0g, primarily insoluble cellulose and hemicellulose); Protein: ~0.7-1.2g (containing essential amino acids including glutamic acid, aspartic acid, leucine in minor quantities); Fat: ~0.2-0.3g (negligible, trace polyunsaturated fatty acids). Micronutrients: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone): estimated 30-45 µg/100g (notable contributor to daily intake); Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): ~8-12 mg/100g (moderate, bioavailability reduced by cooking ~30-50%); Folate (B9): ~20-28 µg/100g DFE; Potassium: ~260-310 mg/100g; Calcium: ~40-50 mg/100g (bioavailability limited ~5-10% due to moderate oxalate content); Magnesium: ~12-18 mg/100g; Phosphorus: ~25-35 mg/100g; Iron: ~0.4-0.6 mg/100g (non-heme, bioavailability ~3-8%, enhanced by co-consumption with vitamin C); Manganese: ~0.10-0.15 mg/100g. Bioactive compounds: Phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide, sedanenolide): present in stalks at lower concentrations than seeds, estimated 0.01-0.05% of fresh weight — primary bioactive volatiles linked to [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects; Apiin (apigenin-7-apiosylglucoside): ~1-5 mg/100g — flavonoid with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties, moderate bioavailability following intestinal hydrolysis to apigenin; Luteolin glycosides: trace amounts ~0.5-2 mg/100g; Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (hydroxycinnamic acids): ~2-8 mg/100g combined — antioxidant phenolics with good bioavailability (~70-80% absorption); Furanocoumarin compounds (bergapten, psoralen): trace levels present, relevant for photosensitivity considerations at high intake; Nitrates: ~40-80 mg/100g — converted to nitric oxide in vivo, contributing to vascular tone effects. Water content: ~93-95%. Note: Stalk-specific data is extrapolated from whole-plant and related Apium species studies; dedicated compositional analysis of celeriac stalks separate from the bulb remains limited in peer-reviewed literature.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosages for celeriac stalks exist. Related celery seed extract studies used 150 mg/day for 12 weeks. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celeriac stalks are generally considered food-safe at culinary doses, but concentrated extracts may cause photosensitivity reactions due to furanocoumarins including psoralen and bergapten, particularly in fair-skinned individuals with prolonged sun exposure. Individuals taking warfarin or other anticoagulants should exercise caution, as apigenin has demonstrated in vitro inhibition of CYP2C9, an enzyme central to warfarin [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), potentially elevating bleeding risk. Celeriac is botanically related to known allergens in the Apiaceae family; those allergic to celery, carrot, or birch pollen may experience cross-reactive oral allergy syndrome symptoms. Pregnant individuals are advised to avoid high-dose extracts due to the uterine-stimulating potential of phthalides observed in animal models, though normal dietary consumption is considered safe.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials specifically on celeriac stalks were identified. Related celery seed studies include a triple-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial showing [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction and a 12-week RCT (n=28) demonstrating metabolic benefits at 150mg/day. In vitro research on celeriac aerial parts showed concentration-dependent [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in LPS-induced macrophages.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) has been cultivated as a medicinal plant since ancient times, though specific traditional systems and indications are not detailed in available sources. The plant belongs to a family with extensive historical medicinal use.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Green Tea Extract, Quercetin, Omega-3 Fatty Acids

## Frequently Asked Questions

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

Celeriac stalks contain phthalides (notably 3-n-butylphthalide), flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, polyacetylenes, and furanocoumarins. These compounds are responsible for the plant's anti-inflammatory, potential antihypertensive, and antioxidant properties observed in preclinical studies. Phthalides are considered the most pharmacologically distinctive compound class within the Apium graveolens species.

### Can celeriac stalks lower blood pressure?

No celeriac stalk-specific human trials have been conducted on blood pressure, but related celery seed research involving 3-n-butylphthalide suggests antihypertensive effects via smooth muscle calcium channel antagonism. A small RCT using celery seed extract (150 mg twice daily) reported an ~8 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure over 6 weeks. Until celeriac stalk-specific trials are completed, these findings should be considered indirect and not definitive.

### Are celeriac stalks the same as celery?

No; celeriac (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) is a distinct botanical variety of the same species as common stalk celery (Apium graveolens var. dulce), cultivated primarily for its bulbous hypocotyl rather than its stalks. The stalks of celeriac are edible but less commercially prominent than those of standard celery. Both varieties share similar phytochemical profiles including phthalides and apigenin, but concentration differences exist and should not be assumed equivalent for therapeutic purposes.

### Can I take celeriac stalk supplements if I am on blood thinners?

Caution is warranted; apigenin found in celeriac stalks inhibits CYP2C9 in vitro, the primary hepatic enzyme responsible for metabolizing warfarin, which could theoretically raise warfarin plasma concentrations and increase bleeding risk. While this interaction has not been confirmed in human pharmacokinetic studies specifically for celeriac, the mechanistic plausibility is sufficient to recommend consulting a healthcare provider before using concentrated celeriac stalk extracts alongside anticoagulant therapy. Dietary amounts in food are unlikely to cause clinically significant interactions.

### Is celeriac safe to eat during pregnancy?

Culinary consumption of celeriac stalks is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy and is not restricted by major dietary guidelines. However, concentrated celeriac extracts or supplements should be avoided because phthalides have demonstrated uterine-stimulating activity in rodent models at pharmacological doses. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should limit intake to normal food quantities and avoid extract-based supplementation until safety data from controlled human studies are available.

### What is the difference between celeriac stalks and celery seed supplements?

Celeriac stalks come from the leafy stems of Apium graveolens var. rapaceum, while celery seed supplements derive from the seeds of Apium graveolens var. dulce (common celery). Although both plants are related species, celeriac stalks contain different phytochemical profiles and have been studied less extensively than celery seed for cardiovascular and metabolic effects. Most clinical evidence for blood pressure and triglyceride reduction comes from celery seed rather than celeriac stalk-specific trials.

### Does the form of celeriac stalk supplement (powder, extract, fresh) affect its anti-inflammatory benefits?

Ethanolic extracts of celeriac stalks have demonstrated the strongest anti-inflammatory effects in preliminary macrophage studies by reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β markers. Fresh celeriac stalks retain some bioactive compounds but have not been directly compared to standardized extracts in human trials. Powder and capsule forms depend heavily on extraction method and concentration, with no published head-to-head comparisons available for celeriac stalks specifically.

### Who should consider celeriac stalk supplementation, and are there populations who should avoid it?

Individuals interested in anti-inflammatory support and those with family histories of cardiovascular disease may be candidates based on preliminary evidence, though human clinical trials are lacking. Those with celery or Apiaceae family allergies, individuals on anticoagulant medications (due to potential vitamin K content), and people with kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use. Pregnant women should avoid supplements as safety data is insufficient, though dietary celeriac consumption has a longer history of use.

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