# Dill (Anethum graveolens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dill
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Anethum graveolens, Garden dill, Common dill, Dill weed, European dill, Dillseed, Peucedanum graveolens, Pastinaca anethum, Selinum anethum

## Overview

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is a culinary and medicinal herb whose primary bioactive compounds — carvone, limonene, and flavonoids such as kaempferol — drive its [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antioxidant properties. These compounds inhibit bacterial cell membrane integrity and scavenge [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), forming the pharmacological basis for its traditional therapeutic use.

## Health Benefits

• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects demonstrated in preclinical studies (evidence quality: preliminary)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) correlated with metabolites like pyridoxal, folate, and inosine (evidence quality: preliminary)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties noted in traditional use contexts (evidence quality: traditional only)
• Potential SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding inhibition via polyphenolic compounds (evidence quality: preliminary)
• Gastric mucosal protective effects reported in traditional medicine (evidence quality: traditional only)

## Mechanism of Action

Carvone and limonene, the dominant monoterpenes in dill essential oil, disrupt bacterial cell membrane permeability and inhibit efflux pump activity, reducing microbial viability in vitro. Kaempferol and isorhamnetin act on NF-κB signaling pathways, suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, folate and pyridoxal metabolites identified in dill extracts contribute to antioxidant capacity by supporting [glutathione](/ingredients/condition/detox) synthesis and reducing [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via inhibition of malondialdehyde formation.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting dill's health benefits derives from in vitro and animal studies rather than randomized controlled human trials, limiting definitive clinical conclusions. One small human study (n=35) examining dill seed extract on glycemic markers in type 2 diabetic patients observed modest reductions in fasting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) over 8 weeks, though methodological limitations constrain generalizability. Preclinical data consistently demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5–2 mg/mL for essential oil fractions. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) findings remain largely confined to rodent models and ethnopharmacological documentation, and high-quality human trials with defined dosing protocols are currently absent.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g fresh dill weed (Anethum graveolens): Energy ~43 kcal; Protein ~3.5 g; Total fat ~1.1 g; Carbohydrates ~7.0 g; Dietary fiber ~2.1 g. Vitamins: Vitamin A ~7718 IU (primarily as beta-carotene ~4364 µg), Vitamin C ~85 mg (high bioavailability from fresh herb), Folate (B9) ~150 µg, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.30 mg, Pyridoxine (B6) ~0.19 mg, Niacin (B3) ~1.57 mg, Thiamine (B1) ~0.06 mg. Minerals: Calcium ~208 mg, Iron ~6.6 mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by co-occurring vitamin C), Manganese ~1.26 mg, Magnesium ~55 mg, Phosphorus ~66 mg, Potassium ~738 mg, Zinc ~0.91 mg, Copper ~0.15 mg, Sodium ~61 mg. Bioactive compounds: Essential oil (2.5–4% in seeds, 0.3–1.5% in herb) containing carvone (~30–60% of seed oil), D-limonene (~33–40% of seed oil), α-phellandrene (~10–20% in herb oil), dill ether (anethofuran, ~5–15% in herb oil), and myristicin (trace). Flavonoids include kaempferol (~12–30 mg/100 g dry weight), isorhamnetin, and quercetin glycosides. Phenolic acids: chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rosmarinic acid (total phenolics ~1.5–4.5 mg GAE/g dry weight). Coumarins: umbelliferone, scopoletin, and bergapten (furanocoumarins in trace amounts). Polyphenolic compounds including vicenin and other C-glycosyl flavones have been identified. Dill seeds contain ~14.5–16% fatty oil rich in petroselinic acid (~30–55% of seed oil fatty acids), oleic acid (~20%), linoleic acid (~7%), and palmitic acid (~4%). Monoterpene content varies significantly between leaf (herb dill) and seed (fruit); leaf oil is dominated by α-phellandrene and dill ether, while seed oil is dominated by carvone and limonene. Bioavailability notes: Water-soluble vitamins (C, B-complex) are well absorbed from fresh herb; fat-soluble carotenoids (provitamin A) benefit from co-consumption with dietary fat; non-heme iron absorption is substantially improved by the herb's high endogenous vitamin C content; essential oil volatile terpenoids are rapidly absorbed but also rapidly metabolized, with bioavailability enhanced when consumed with fatty foods or as infusions.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for dill extracts, powders, or standardized forms. Studies do not specify standardization levels for active compounds like carvone or limonene. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dill is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at culinary doses, but concentrated extracts or essential oils may cause contact dermatitis or photosensitivity reactions due to furanocoumarins. Individuals with allergies to Apiaceae family plants (celery, carrot, fennel) should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity has been documented. Dill may potentiate the effects of sedative medications and theoretically interact with anticoagulants like warfarin by influencing CYP450 enzyme activity, though direct clinical interaction data are sparse. Medicinal doses of dill are not recommended during pregnancy beyond culinary amounts, as high-dose extracts have demonstrated uterotonic activity in animal models.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs for dill. All available evidence comes from preclinical laboratory studies examining [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Dill has been used globally in traditional medicine for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), analgesic, and gastric mucosal protective purposes. Its spicy aroma from carvone and limonene has supported its traditional use as both a culinary and medicinal herb.

## Synergistic Combinations

Fennel, caraway, anise, peppermint, ginger

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is dill used for medicinally?

Medicinally, dill has been used to address digestive complaints including bloating, flatulence, and colic, largely attributed to carvone's ability to relax intestinal smooth muscle and reduce gas production. It also appears in traditional medicine systems for its antimicrobial properties against oral and gastrointestinal pathogens, supported by preclinical data showing inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli at concentrations of 0.5–2 mg/mL. Modern interest has expanded to its potential role in blood sugar regulation, though robust clinical evidence remains limited.

### Does dill have any proven anti-inflammatory effects?

Dill's anti-inflammatory activity has been demonstrated primarily in vitro and in rodent models, where kaempferol and isorhamnetin suppress NF-κB signaling and reduce TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine levels. One animal study showed that dill extract at 200 mg/kg body weight reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema by approximately 40%, comparable to lower doses of standard NSAIDs. However, no large-scale human clinical trials have confirmed these findings, so anti-inflammatory claims remain at a preclinical or traditional evidence level.

### What are the main bioactive compounds in dill?

The principal bioactive compounds in dill include the monoterpenes carvone (30–60% of essential oil composition) and limonene (10–35%), which are responsible for its antimicrobial and digestive effects. Flavonoids such as kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by scavenging free radicals and modulating inflammatory signaling. Metabolomic analyses have also identified folate, pyridoxal (vitamin B6 aldehyde), and inosine as significant contributors to dill's overall antioxidant capacity.

### Is dill safe to take as a supplement during pregnancy?

Dill at culinary amounts used in cooking is generally considered safe during pregnancy and has a long history of food use across European and Middle Eastern cultures. However, concentrated dill seed extracts or essential oil supplements carry potential risk, as animal studies have shown uterotonic (uterus-contracting) effects at high doses, which could theoretically increase the risk of premature labor or miscarriage. Pregnant individuals should avoid medicinal-strength dill supplements and consult a healthcare provider before using any concentrated botanical preparation.

### How much dill extract should you take per day?

There is no established standardized clinical dosage for dill extract due to the absence of large-scale human trials. The small human study examining glycemic effects used approximately 500 mg of dill seed extract daily over 8 weeks, providing preliminary dosage context for metabolic applications. Most herbal references cite traditional preparation of 1–4 grams of dried dill seed as an infusion (tea) two to three times daily, but dosages for standardized carvone or flavonoid-rich extracts have not been formally validated through Phase II or III clinical research.

### Can I get enough dill from food sources, or do I need a supplement?

Fresh and dried dill are readily available as culinary herbs and can be incorporated into daily meals, particularly in Mediterranean and Scandinavian cuisines. However, supplemental dill extract concentrates bioactive compounds far beyond typical dietary amounts, making supplements more practical for therapeutic purposes. Whether food sources alone are sufficient depends on your specific health goals and the quantity you consistently consume.

### Does dill interact with common medications?

Dill may have mild blood-thinning properties and could theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, though clinical evidence is limited. It may also interact with diabetes medications due to preliminary research on blood sugar effects. Consult with a healthcare provider before combining dill supplements with prescription medications, particularly anticoagulants or diabetes drugs.

### What does current research actually show about dill's antimicrobial and antioxidant claims?

Laboratory studies demonstrate that dill possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties linked to compounds like pyridoxal, folate, and inosine; however, most evidence is preliminary and limited to test-tube or animal models. Human clinical trials on dill's antimicrobial or antioxidant effects are sparse, so translating these findings to real-world supplementation remains unclear. More robust research is needed before making strong therapeutic claims based on current evidence quality.

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