# Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/celery-seed
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Apium graveolens, Wild Celery Seed, Smallage Seed, Marsh Parsley Seed, Ajmoda, Celery Fruit, European Celery Seed

## Overview

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) contains bioactive compounds including 3-n-butylphthalide and flavonoids that contribute to [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Research shows potential for supporting liver [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels and scavenging free radicals, though evidence remains preliminary.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant support: Animal studies show increased liver [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) with aqueous extracts (1.5 mg/kg) - preliminary evidence only
• [Free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing: In vitro studies demonstrate DPPH, superoxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity - preliminary evidence only
• Cellular protection: Preclinical data shows reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA) and elevated glutathione in serum, brain, and heart tissues - animal studies only
• Potential anticancer activity: Cell line studies show IC50 124-145 µg/mL against MCF-7 and A549 cancer cells from irradiated seed oils - in vitro evidence only
• Traditional digestive support: Used historically as antispasmodic for digestive issues - traditional use only, no clinical trials

## Mechanism of Action

Celery seed's antioxidant effects appear to work through multiple pathways, including enhancement of the [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) antioxidant system in liver tissue. The bioactive compounds, particularly 3-n-butylphthalide and apigenin, demonstrate direct [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity against DPPH, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals. These mechanisms may help protect cells from oxidative stress and support the body's natural antioxidant defenses.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for celery seed comes primarily from animal and in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials. Animal research shows aqueous extracts at 1.5 mg/kg can increase liver [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) levels and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Laboratory studies demonstrate measurable [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity against multiple oxidative species. However, human clinical data is lacking, making the evidence preliminary and requiring further research to establish therapeutic efficacy in humans.

## Nutritional Profile

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is a concentrated spice used in small quantities (typically 1–6g per serving), so absolute macronutrient intake per serving is modest. Per 100g dry seed: protein ~18g, total fat ~25g (predominantly petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid), carbohydrates ~40g, dietary fiber ~12g. Caloric density approximately 450 kcal/100g. Key micronutrients per 100g: calcium ~1767mg, iron ~44mg, magnesium ~440mg, manganese ~7mg, phosphorus ~547mg, potassium ~1400mg, zinc ~2.8mg, selenium ~trace amounts. Vitamins: vitamin C ~17mg/100g, vitamin B6 ~0.9mg/100g, riboflavin ~0.3mg/100g, niacin ~3.1mg/100g, folate ~10mcg/100g. Primary bioactive compounds: phthalides (3-n-butylphthalide [3nB] and sedanenolide) at approximately 50–80% of essential oil composition (~2–3% essential oil by weight); flavonoids including apigenin (~0.1–0.5% dry weight), luteolin, and quercetin glycosides; coumarins including bergapten, isoimperatorin, and osthole; phenolic acids including caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid; d-limonene (~15% of essential oil). Mineral bioavailability is moderate; oxalate and phytate content may reduce calcium and iron absorption by 20–40%. Phthalides are lipophilic and show improved bioavailability when consumed with dietary fat. Apigenin bioavailability is enhanced by gut microbiota deglycosylation of its glycoside precursors.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Preclinical studies used 1.5 mg/kg aqueous extract (animal), 50-150 ppm aqueous seed extract (in vitro), or 25-500 μg/0.05 mL leaf extracts (in vitro). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Celery seed is generally recognized as safe when used as a food seasoning, but supplement safety data is limited. It may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to celery or related plants in the Apiaceae family. Celery seed may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential blood-thinning effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplemental doses as safety has not been established, and traditional use suggests potential uterine stimulant properties.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on celery seed were identified in the available research. All evidence comes from preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal studies focusing on [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects, with doses like 1.5 mg/kg aqueous extract in rats and 50-150 ppm in vitro. No PubMed PMIDs for human studies were found.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Celery seed has been used in global traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, European herbalism, and Middle Eastern practices for over 2,000 years to treat rheumatism, gout, digestive issues, and as a diuretic/antispasmodic. Seeds were particularly valued for their high volatile oil content providing anti-spasmodic effects.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Quercetin, Green Tea Extract, Milk Thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in celery seed extract?

The primary active compounds in celery seed include 3-n-butylphthalide, apigenin, and other flavonoids. 3-n-butylphthalide is considered the most significant bioactive compound responsible for many of celery seed's potential health effects.

### How much celery seed extract should I take daily?

There is no established standard dosage for celery seed supplements as human clinical trials are lacking. Animal studies used 1.5 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract, but this cannot be directly translated to human dosing without clinical research.

### Can celery seed help with inflammation?

While celery seed contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory properties, current evidence is limited to laboratory studies. The antioxidant activity demonstrated in research may indirectly support inflammation management, but human studies are needed to confirm anti-inflammatory benefits.

### Is celery seed safe to take with blood pressure medication?

Celery seed may interact with blood pressure medications due to potential cardiovascular effects. Traditional use suggests it may affect blood pressure, so individuals taking antihypertensive drugs should consult their healthcare provider before using celery seed supplements.

### How long does it take for celery seed extract to work?

The timeframe for celery seed extract effects is unknown as human clinical studies have not been conducted. Animal studies showing increased glutathione levels used short-term administration, but optimal duration and onset of effects in humans remain undetermined.

### What is the difference between celery seed extract and whole celery seed?

Celery seed extract is a concentrated form where bioactive compounds are isolated through solvent extraction, while whole celery seed contains the complete plant material with fiber and other constituents. Most clinical research on antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects has used aqueous or standardized extracts rather than whole seed, which may have different bioavailability profiles. The extraction method (aqueous, ethanolic, etc.) significantly influences which compounds are concentrated and their potential biological activity.

### Is celery seed safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Celery seed supplements are not recommended during pregnancy, as some traditional uses include uterotonic properties and there is insufficient safety data in pregnant populations. Breastfeeding safety is similarly unclear due to limited human studies, so consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use. Whole celery seed in food amounts is generally recognized as safe, but concentrated extracts should be avoided without professional guidance.

### Can I get the same antioxidant benefits from eating celery or celery seeds versus taking a supplement?

While whole celery seeds and celery contain antioxidant compounds, the concentrations in supplements (typically 1.5 mg/kg in studied extracts) are much higher than typical food intake and are not easily replicated through diet alone. The antioxidant effects demonstrated in animal studies used standardized extracts that isolate and concentrate specific bioactive compounds beyond what food sources provide. Whole food celery offers nutritional value and fiber, but achieving the specific antioxidant levels shown in preclinical research would require supplement use.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*