# Celery (Apium graveolens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/celery
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Wild celery, Smallage, Garden celery, Common celery, Celery seed, Marsh parsley, Ajmoda, Karafs, Céleri, Apio

## Overview

Celery (Apium graveolens) contains bioactive phthalides such as 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) and flavonoids including apigenin and luteolin, which drive its primary [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects. These compounds inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity and disrupt bacterial cell membrane integrity, underpinning celery's therapeutic potential.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity: In vitro studies show strong anti-inflammatory effects through COX-2 inhibition via isocnidilide binding (evidence: preliminary)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties: Demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans in laboratory studies (evidence: preliminary)
• Antioxidant effects: Moderate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) observed through tyrosinase inhibition in vitro (evidence: preliminary)
• Good bioavailability: ADME analysis indicates favorable oral absorption and blood-brain barrier permeation for major compounds (evidence: in silico)
• Traditional digestive support: Historical use in Mediterranean and Ayurvedic medicine for diuretic and therapeutic purposes (evidence: traditional only)

## Mechanism of Action

Celery's phthalide compound isocnidilide binds to and inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s downstream of arachidonic acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Apigenin, a flavonoid abundant in celery, further modulates NF-κB signaling pathways, suppressing transcription of inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity is attributed to essential oil constituents such as limonene and selinene, which disrupt Gram-positive bacterial cell membranes and interfere with Candida albicans biofilm formation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for celery's health benefits is largely preliminary, drawn from in vitro cell studies and animal models rather than large-scale human clinical trials. Laboratory studies have demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive organisms and Candida albicans, though minimum inhibitory concentrations and human-equivalent dosages have not been established clinically. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via COX-2 inhibition have been replicated across multiple in vitro models, but no randomized controlled trials with adequate sample sizes have confirmed these outcomes in humans. Until well-designed human trials are completed, extrapolating these findings to clinical recommendations requires caution.

## Nutritional Profile

Celery (Apium graveolens) is a low-calorie vegetable (~16 kcal/100g raw) with high water content (~95%). Macronutrients per 100g: carbohydrates 3g (of which sugars ~1.8g), dietary fiber 1.6g (primarily insoluble cellulose and hemicellulose), protein 0.7g, fat 0.2g. Key micronutrients per 100g: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) ~29.3mcg (24% DV), Vitamin C ~3.1mg, Folate (B9) ~36mcg (9% DV), Potassium ~260mg, Calcium ~40mg, Phosphorus ~24mg, Magnesium ~11mg, Sodium ~80mg (notably higher than most vegetables). Bioactive compounds: Phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide/3nB and sedanolide) at ~0.05-0.1% of essential oil content — primary bioactive constituents; Apigenin (flavone) ~4.5mg/100g fresh weight; Luteolin ~0.3mg/100g; Apiin (apigenin-7-apiosylglucoside) as predominant flavonoid glycoside; Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid as phenolic acids; Isocnidilide and other isocoumarin-class compounds in seeds and leaves; Furanocoumarins (bergapten, psoralen) in trace amounts, relevant for photosensitivity risk; Essential oils in seeds ~2-3% by dry weight including limonene, selinene, and phthalides. Bioavailability notes: Fat-soluble compounds (Vitamin K, apigenin) have enhanced absorption when consumed with dietary fats. Phthalides are readily bioavailable and detected in plasma within hours of consumption. Cooking reduces Vitamin C content by ~30-50% but has moderate impact on flavonoid and phthalide content. Sodium content is clinically relevant for sodium-restricted diets.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from human trials. Laboratory studies used Apium graveolens oil standardized to 40.1% isocnidilide content, but therapeutic dosing has not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celery seed extracts and supplements may cause photosensitivity reactions due to furanocoumarins such as psoralen, increasing sunburn risk with UV exposure. Individuals with allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family (carrots, parsley, fennel) face elevated risk of cross-reactive allergic responses, including anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. Celery may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin due to its coumarin content, and concurrent use with diuretic medications may amplify fluid and electrolyte loss. Celery seed supplements are contraindicated in pregnancy at supplemental doses, as they may stimulate uterine contractions; dietary amounts in food are generally considered safe.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence for celery is limited to in vitro and in silico studies, with no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified in the research. The primary study demonstrated antibacterial, [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activities of Apium graveolens oil through laboratory assays and molecular docking simulations, but no PubMed PMIDs for human trials were provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Celery has historical use in Mediterranean and Ayurvedic traditions for aromatic, diuretic, and therapeutic purposes. Traditional applications align with the plant's bioactive compounds like phthalides and flavonoids, particularly in seeds, which have been used for preventing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)-related conditions.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Boswellia, Quercetin, Bromelain

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is 3-n-butylphthalide in celery and what does it do?

3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) is a phthalide compound naturally concentrated in celery seed oil that has shown blood pressure-lowering effects in animal studies by relaxing smooth muscle in arterial walls and reducing vascular resistance. It also demonstrates neuroprotective properties in rodent models of ischemia, though human clinical data confirming effective dosages remain limited.

### Can celery seed supplements lower blood pressure?

Animal studies using 3-n-butylphthalide from celery seed have shown measurable reductions in blood pressure by relaxing vascular smooth muscle, but human randomized controlled trial data are currently insufficient to recommend a standardized dose. Some practitioners cite historical use of celery seed at approximately 1,000–2,000 mg daily for blood pressure support, though this lacks robust clinical validation.

### Is celery anti-inflammatory and what compounds cause this effect?

Yes, celery exhibits anti-inflammatory activity primarily through its flavonoids apigenin and luteolin, which suppress NF-κB signaling, and through isocnidilide, which inhibits COX-2 enzyme activity to reduce prostaglandin synthesis. These mechanisms have been consistently demonstrated in cell culture and animal models, though no large human trials have quantified the degree of inflammation reduction at supplemental doses.

### Who should avoid taking celery seed supplements?

Pregnant individuals should avoid supplemental doses of celery seed because its phthalide and coumarin content may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of premature labor. People with Apiaceae plant allergies, those taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, and individuals on diuretic therapy should also avoid celery seed supplements without medical supervision due to risks of allergic cross-reactivity, enhanced bleeding, and electrolyte imbalance respectively.

### Does celery have antifungal properties against Candida?

In vitro laboratory studies have demonstrated that celery seed essential oil constituents, including limonene and selinene, exhibit antifungal activity against Candida albicans by disrupting its cell membrane integrity and inhibiting biofilm formation. However, these findings are limited to controlled laboratory conditions, and no human clinical trials have established effective antifungal dosages or confirmed these results in living subjects.

### How much celery seed extract should I take daily, and what is a safe dosage range?

Most clinical studies examining celery seed's blood pressure effects have used doses ranging from 75–150 mg of celery seed extract daily, though standardization varies by product. A common recommendation is 1–1.5 grams of dried celery seed or 2–4 mL of liquid extract per day, divided into two doses. However, individual tolerance differs, and you should start with a lower dose to assess your response before increasing. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific health needs, as this varies based on age, weight, and existing health conditions.

### Does celery interact with blood pressure medications or anticoagulants?

Celery seed supplements may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive medications due to their own blood pressure-lowering properties, potentially causing excessive drops in blood pressure. Celery also contains vitamin K and compounds that may have mild anticoagulant effects, which could interact with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Additionally, some evidence suggests celery may affect CYP450 enzyme activity, potentially altering the metabolism of certain drugs. If you take any cardiovascular or blood-thinning medications, consult your doctor or pharmacist before adding celery supplements.

### What is the difference between celery seed extract, celery juice, and whole celery seeds in terms of effectiveness?

Celery seed extract is typically standardized to contain specific active compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide (3-NBP), making it more consistent and concentrated than whole seeds or juice. Whole celery seeds provide fiber and a broader spectrum of compounds but in lower concentrations of bioactive ingredients. Fresh celery juice contains volatile compounds and enzyme cofactors that may be lost during drying and extraction, but clinical evidence for juice is more limited compared to standardized seed extracts. For targeted therapeutic effects like blood pressure reduction, standardized extracts generally provide more reliable and predictable results than whole foods or juices.

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