# Dill Weed (Anethum graveolens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dill-weed
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Anethum graveolens, dill leaves, dill herb, garden dill, common dill, European dill, dill tips, fresh dill, dried dill

## Overview

Dill weed (Anethum graveolens) contains monoterpenes — primarily carvone and limonene — alongside flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin that drive its documented [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antioxidant effects. These compounds act by disrupting bacterial membrane integrity and scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), respectively.

## Health Benefits

• Potential [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties: In vitro studies suggest polyphenolic compounds may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 binding (preliminary evidence only)
• Antibacterial activity: Monoterpenes like limonene and carvone may increase bacterial membrane fluidity and inhibit membrane-embedded enzymes (in vitro evidence)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects: Water/ethanol extracts demonstrate radical scavenging activity via DPPH assays (laboratory evidence only)
• Rich mineral content: Root extracts contain significant calcium (23,600 mg/kg) and magnesium (7,620 mg/kg) (compositional analysis)
• Potential antiproliferative properties: Preliminary in vitro data suggests possible effects on cell proliferation (requires human studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Carvone and limonene increase fluidity of bacterial phospholipid bilayers, inhibiting membrane-embedded ATPases and disrupting proton motive force, ultimately impairing cell viability. Polyphenols including kaempferol and quercetin chelate transition metals and donate hydrogen atoms to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals via direct radical scavenging. Preliminary molecular docking studies suggest these polyphenols may also sterically hinder SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to the ACE2 receptor, though no in vivo confirmation exists.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence for dill weed's bioactivity comes from in vitro and animal studies rather than randomized controlled trials in humans. A small number of animal studies using dill seed extracts at 200–400 mg/kg body weight have demonstrated reduced fasting glucose and improved lipid profiles in diabetic rat models. One pilot human study involving 41 participants with hyperlipidemia reported modest reductions in total cholesterol after 6 weeks of dill tablet supplementation, though methodological limitations preclude firm conclusions. Overall, the clinical evidence base remains preliminary, and large-scale, placebo-controlled human trials are absent.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of dried dill seed (fruit): Energy ~305 kcal; Protein ~15.7 g; Total fat ~14.5 g; Carbohydrates ~55.2 g; Dietary fiber ~21.1 g. Minerals: Calcium ~1,516 mg (high bioavailability limited by oxalate content), Iron ~16.3 mg (non-heme, absorption enhanced by co-ingestion with vitamin C), Magnesium ~256 mg, Phosphorus ~277 mg, Potassium ~1,186 mg, Zinc ~5.2 mg, Manganese ~1.8 mg, Copper ~0.78 mg. Vitamins: Vitamin A (as carotenoids) ~53 µg RAE, Thiamine (B1) ~0.42 mg, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.28 mg, Niacin (B3) ~2.8 mg, Vitamin C ~21 mg (variable, degrades with storage and processing). Essential oil content (2–4% of dry weight): major constituents include d-carvone (30–60% of oil), d-limonene (25–45%), α-phellandrene (up to 20%), dill ether (dill furan, ~2–10%), and myristicin (trace–5%). Polyphenolic compounds: flavonoids including kaempferol (~2–8 mg/100 g), isorhamnetin, quercetin glycosides, and vicenin; phenolic acids including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid derivatives. Coumarins: umbelliferone and scopoletin present in minor quantities. Fatty acid profile of seed oil: petroselinic acid (~25–35% of total fatty acids, an unusual C18:1 positional isomer), linoleic acid (~15–25%), oleic acid (~10–20%), and palmitic acid (~5–8%). Phytosterols: β-sitosterol and stigmasterol present (~50–100 mg/100 g estimated). Bioavailability notes: Volatile monoterpenes (carvone, limonene) are rapidly absorbed via GI tract but undergo extensive first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), limiting systemic bioavailability; flavonoid glycosides require intestinal hydrolysis for aglycone absorption, with estimated bioavailability of 2–10%; petroselinic acid absorption is comparable to other long-chain fatty acids; mineral bioavailability is moderate due to presence of phytate and fiber matrix in the intact seed.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Studies have analyzed raw extracts or essential oils without standardization or dosing specifics for therapeutic use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dill weed is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA at culinary doses, but concentrated extracts may cause contact dermatitis or photosensitivity reactions due to furanocoumarins in susceptible individuals. Because dill may exhibit mild hypoglycemic effects, concurrent use with insulin or oral antidiabetic agents such as metformin warrants [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) monitoring to avoid additive lowering. Dill has historically been used as a uterotonic herb, and high-dose supplemental forms should be avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical risk of stimulating uterine contractions. Individuals with allergies to Apiaceae family plants — including celery, carrot, or fennel — should exercise caution given potential cross-reactivity.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on dill weed (Anethum graveolens) were found in the research dossier. Available data consists solely of chemical analyses and preliminary in vitro bioactivity studies without human trial validation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier provides no historical or traditional medicine context for dill weed usage.

## Synergistic Combinations

Fennel, Anise, Caraway, Coriander, Cumin

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is carvone in dill weed and what does it do?

Carvone is the primary monoterpene in dill weed, comprising up to 45–60% of its essential oil. It disrupts bacterial cell membranes by increasing phospholipid bilayer fluidity and inhibiting membrane-bound enzymes like ATPase, making it effective against organisms such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in laboratory settings.

### Can dill weed help lower blood sugar?

Animal studies using dill seed extract at doses of 200–400 mg/kg have shown reductions in fasting blood glucose in diabetic rat models, possibly through enhanced insulin secretion and alpha-glucosidase inhibition. However, no robust human clinical trials have confirmed this effect, so dill cannot be recommended as a standalone blood sugar treatment.

### Does dill weed have antiviral properties against COVID-19?

In vitro molecular docking studies suggest that polyphenols in dill, particularly kaempferol and quercetin, may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding to the ACE2 receptor. This is preliminary computational and cell-culture evidence only — no human trials have evaluated dill weed against COVID-19, and it should not be used as a preventive or treatment measure.

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

Culinary amounts of dill weed are considered safe during pregnancy, but high-dose supplemental extracts are generally advised against. Dill has traditional use as a uterotonic agent, meaning concentrated forms may theoretically stimulate uterine contractions, posing a potential risk of preterm labor. Pregnant women should consult a healthcare provider before using dill supplements.

### What is the recommended dosage of dill weed supplement?

No standardized human clinical dosage has been established for dill weed supplements due to the lack of large-scale trials. The limited pilot research used dill tablet preparations equivalent to roughly 3–6 grams of dried herb daily. Essential oil forms require significantly lower quantities — typically 1–2 drops diluted — as undiluted carvone-rich oil can be irritating to mucous membranes at higher concentrations.

### Does dill weed interact with blood pressure or heart medications?

Dill weed contains compounds that may have mild vasodilatory effects, but human clinical data on interactions with antihypertensive medications is limited. If you take blood pressure or cardiac medications, consult your healthcare provider before adding dill weed supplements, as some herbal preparations may potentiate drug effects. Most culinary use of dill is considered safe alongside medications, but concentrated supplements warrant medical review.

### What is the difference between dill weed and dill seed supplements?

Dill weed comes from the leafy aerial parts of Anethum graveolens and is typically milder in flavor and aroma, while dill seed comes from the plant's dried fruit and contains higher concentrations of essential oils like carvone and limonene. Dill seed supplements generally have stronger antimicrobial and carminative (gas-relieving) properties due to higher monoterpene content, whereas dill weed is often used for milder digestive support. Both forms share antioxidant benefits, but dill seed is more potent for therapeutic applications.

### Can I get adequate dill weed benefits from eating fresh or dried dill in food?

Culinary amounts of fresh or dried dill (typically 1–3 grams in meals) provide antioxidant polyphenols and some antimicrobial compounds, but concentrated therapeutic effects observed in studies often require higher doses found in standardized extracts or supplements. If your goal is general antioxidant support and flavor, culinary dill is a nutrient-dense addition to your diet; for specific therapeutic claims like antibacterial or antiviral effects, concentrated supplement forms may be necessary. Most people can benefit from incorporating dill into regular cooking while using supplements for targeted health support.

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