# Celery Root (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/celery-root
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Celeriac, Apium graveolens var. rapaceum, Turnip-rooted celery, Knob celery, Root celery, Celery knob, German celery, Céleri-rave

## Overview

Celery root (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum) contains phthalides and apigenin that support [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through vasodilation and diuretic effects. Clinical studies demonstrate its potential for reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels in hypertensive patients.

## Health Benefits

• [Blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) reduction: Clinical trials with celery seed extract (related to celery root) showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients (moderate evidence quality)
• Cholesterol management: Randomized trial demonstrated reductions in total cholesterol (16.37 mg/dL), triglycerides (16.22 mg/dL), and LDL (11.84 mg/dL) with celery seed extract (moderate evidence quality)
• [Antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Preclinical studies show celery root juice enhances [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) in liver tissue (preliminary evidence)
• Blood sugar support: Clinical trial showed fasting blood sugar reduction from 108.53 to 97.96 mg/dL with celery seed extract in hypertensive patients (moderate evidence quality)
• [Immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support): Laboratory studies demonstrate celery root exosomes suppress inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and increase [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) IL-10 (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Celery root's phthalides, particularly 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), act as calcium channel blockers and promote smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) in blood vessels. The flavonoid apigenin enhances nitric oxide production, leading to vasodilation and improved [endothelial function](/ingredients/condition/heart-health). Additionally, potassium content supports diuretic effects that help reduce blood volume and pressure.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial with celery seed extract showed significant reductions in both systolic (8.9 mmHg) and diastolic (4.2 mmHg) blood pressure over 6 weeks in 79 hypertensive patients. Another study demonstrated 12% reduction in total cholesterol and 15% reduction in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) after 8 weeks of supplementation. However, most research focuses on celery seed rather than celery root specifically, requiring cautious interpretation. Evidence quality is moderate due to limited large-scale, long-term studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Celery root (celeriac) per 100g raw: Calories 42 kcal, Carbohydrates 9.2g, Dietary Fiber 1.8g, Sugars 1.6g, Protein 1.5g, Fat 0.3g, Water 88g. Key vitamins: Vitamin K1 (41 mcg, ~34% DV — high bioavailability as phylloquinone), Vitamin C (8 mg, ~9% DV), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 0.165 mg, ~10% DV), Folate (8 mcg, ~2% DV), Vitamin E (0.36 mg). Key minerals: Phosphorus (115 mg, ~9% DV — moderate bioavailability), Potassium (300 mg, ~6% DV), Calcium (43 mg, ~3% DV — absorption partially limited by oxalates), Magnesium (20 mg), Iron (0.7 mg — non-heme, lower bioavailability ~10-15%), Manganese (0.158 mg, ~7% DV), Sodium (100 mg naturally occurring. Bioactive compounds: Phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide, sedanolide) — lipophilic compounds concentrated in root tissue, responsible for characteristic aroma and implicated in [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) modulation via smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep); Apigenin (flavone, ~0.5-2 mg/100g) — [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties, moderate bioavailability enhanced by fat co-consumption; Luteolin (flavone, trace amounts); Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (hydroxycinnamic acids, ~15-30 mg/100g) — antioxidant phenolics, bioavailability ~30-40% from vegetable matrix; Furanocoumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin) — present in small amounts, photosensitizing potential at high intakes; Polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol) — trace levels, lower than carrot. Fiber composition: mix of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin supporting [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health). Cooking note: boiling reduces Vitamin C by ~30-50% and leaches water-soluble B vitamins; Vitamin K and phthalides are relatively heat-stable. Oxalate content is moderate (~10-20 mg/100g), mildly reducing calcium and iron bioavailability.

## Dosage & Preparation

No standardized human dosing exists specifically for celery root extract. Related celery seed extracts were studied at 150 mg/day (standardized to 85% NBP) for 12 weeks or 1.34 g/day for 4 weeks. Animal studies used celery root juice at 1.5 mg/kg. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celery root is generally safe when consumed as food, but supplements may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with birch pollen allergies. It may enhance the effects of [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, requiring medical supervision for hypertensive patients on medication. Celery root contains natural diuretics that could interact with water pills or potassium-sparing diuretics. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so avoidance is recommended during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for celery root specifically is limited, with most data from celery seed extract trials. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=28) showed celery seed extract (150 mg/day, 85% NBP) significantly reduced [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and uric acid over 12 weeks (PMC12845499). Another randomized, triple-blind trial (n=51) using 1.34 g/day celery seed extract improved blood pressure and lipid profiles (PMID: 35536382).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Celery (Apium graveolens) has been used in traditional Mediterranean, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicine for centuries as a diuretic, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and antihypertensive agent for conditions including gout, rheumatism, and digestive issues. The root specifically has been valued in folk remedies for its [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and nutritive properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Hawthorn berry, garlic extract, olive leaf, magnesium, CoQ10

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much celery root should I take for blood pressure?

Clinical studies used celery seed extract equivalent to 150mg of phthalides daily, but celery root dosing isn't standardized. Most studies suggest 3-6 grams of dried celery root daily, though you should consult a healthcare provider for hypertension management.

### Can celery root lower cholesterol naturally?

Yes, studies show celery compounds can reduce total cholesterol by up to 12% and LDL cholesterol by 15% over 8 weeks. The phthalides and fiber in celery root help block cholesterol absorption and enhance bile acid excretion.

### What's the difference between celery root and celery seed for health?

Celery seed contains higher concentrations of phthalides (the active compounds), while celery root provides more fiber, potassium, and water content. Most clinical research uses celery seed extract, making it more potent for cardiovascular benefits than celery root.

### Is celery root safe with blood pressure medications?

Celery root may enhance the effects of ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers, potentially causing excessive blood pressure drops. Always consult your doctor before combining celery root supplements with hypertension medications to avoid dangerous interactions.

### How long does it take for celery root to lower blood pressure?

Clinical studies showed blood pressure reductions within 2-3 weeks of daily celery extract use, with maximum effects observed at 6 weeks. Individual responses vary, and consistent daily intake is necessary to maintain cardiovascular benefits.

### What is the most bioavailable form of celery root — fresh, extract, or powder?

Celery root extract appears to have superior bioavailability compared to whole food sources, as clinical trials demonstrating cardiovascular benefits primarily used standardized extracts rather than fresh root. However, whole celery root retains fiber and additional phytonutrients that extracts may lack, making the choice dependent on your specific health goals. Fresh celery root provides approximately 3.1g of fiber per 100g serving, which aids nutrient absorption and digestive health. For maximum bioavailability of active compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), taking celery extract with a fat-containing meal enhances absorption.

### Who should avoid celery root supplementation — are there specific populations at risk?

Individuals with celery allergies or apiaceae family sensitivities (affecting ~0.1-0.3% of the population) should avoid celery root entirely due to risk of allergic reactions ranging from oral allergy syndrome to anaphylaxis. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers before using celery root supplements in concentrated forms, as some traditional use includes uterine stimulant properties. People taking anticoagulants like warfarin should monitor consumption since celery root contains compounds that may have mild blood-thinning effects. Those with kidney disease should exercise caution due to celery root's mineral content and potential effects on electrolyte balance.

### How strong is the clinical evidence for celery root compared to celery seed extract?

The strongest clinical evidence exists for celery seed extract rather than celery root specifically, with moderate-quality randomized controlled trials demonstrating reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Studies on celery seed extract showed quantifiable improvements: 16.37 mg/dL reduction in total cholesterol, 16.22 mg/dL in triglycerides, and 11.84 mg/dL in LDL cholesterol in one randomized trial. Most human trials used standardized extracts containing 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) at specific doses rather than whole celery root, so evidence quality for fresh root supplementation is lower. Direct comparative trials between celery root and celery seed in human subjects are currently limited, making it difficult to determine if the root provides equivalent therapeutic benefits.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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