Quick Summary

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) has been investigated in clinical studies for potential effects on components of metabolic syndrome, including blood pressure and lipid profile. It shows promise in improving hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. Experimental and limited clinical data also suggest potential neurological benefits and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the currently available clinical evidence is limited by small sample sizes and short study durations, with ongoing research needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

What is it?

Celery seed is derived from the seeds of the plant Apium graveolens, a member of the Apiaceae family. It is commonly used as a spice and in traditional herbal preparations. The seeds contain a range of bioactive compounds and have been explored for various health-related effects.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, celery seed has been used to support digestive health, act as a diuretic, relieve joint pain, and manage blood pressure. It is also used in some cultures for its purported anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

Active Compounds

Key active compounds in celery seed include 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Among these, NBP is notably studied for its neuroprotective potential.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Metabolic Syndrome (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia)
    Evidence level: Human clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses.
    Summary: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 28 participants found that 150 mg/day of celery seed for 12 weeks significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and uric acid levels. However, no significant effect on insulin sensitivity or secretion was observed. A meta-analysis of 10 RCTs including 511 participants reported celery preparations significantly improve blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), fasting plasma glucose, and triglycerides, with better effects noted at doses above 1000 mg/day. There were no significant effects on total cholesterol, LDL, or HDL cholesterol.
    Reference 1 | Reference 2
  • Neurological disorders (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke-related complications, epilepsy)
    Evidence level: Preclinical and limited clinical evidence.
    Summary: A scoping review including in vivo, in vitro studies and one clinical trial indicates that celery and its phytoconstituent 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) may have neuroprotective effects in various neurological disorders. NBP showed safety in animal studies up to 18 weeks and was generally well tolerated in humans, with mild adverse effects reported. However, clinical trial data are limited and further research is needed.
    Reference 3
  • Mild Knee Osteoarthritis (as part of a polyherbal supplement including celery seed)
    Evidence level: Human clinical evidence – prospective single-arm study.
    Summary: In a multicenter, prospective study, a polyherbal supplement with celery seed extract alongside standard therapy showed improvements in functional capacity and pain reduction in mild knee osteoarthritis patients. Note that the study lacked a control group.
    Reference 4

Side Effects

Celery seed extracts and preparations are generally well tolerated with a favorable safety profile reported in clinical trials. Mild adverse effects were noted in about 7% of participants in neurological trials involving NBP. No serious adverse events were attributed to celery seed in studies on metabolic syndrome or hypertension. However, detailed adverse effect reporting remains limited.

Drug Interactions

There is limited and indirect evidence on drug interactions with celery seed. A review of herb-drug interactions in neuropsychiatric pharmacotherapy included celery as having potential clinically relevant interactions. Caution is advised when celery seed is taken concomitantly with prescription medications, especially antihypertensive or neuropsychiatric drugs.

Who Should Avoid It

Specific contraindications for celery seed are not well documented. Caution is recommended for individuals taking antihypertensive or neuropsychiatric medications due to possible interactions. People with known allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family or those prone to phytophotodermatitis should also exercise caution.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

No direct clinical evidence is available regarding the safety of celery seed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Due to insufficient data, it is advisable to avoid use or consult healthcare providers before use during these periods.

Evidence Limitations

The clinical evidence supporting celery seed is limited by small study sizes, short intervention periods, and variability in types and dosages of preparations used. Most clinical trials used doses around or below 150 mg/day, whereas meta-analytic data suggest doses above 1000 mg/day may be more effective. Long-term safety data are lacking. For neurological indications, evidence largely stems from preclinical research with few human trials. Reporting on adverse events and drug interactions is incomplete, and more high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosing, and assess safety in special populations.

References

  1. Escobedo-Gutiérrez MJ, Cortez-Navarrete M, Martínez-Abundis E, Pérez-Rubio KG. Effect of Celery Seed (Apium graveolens L.) Administration on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion: A Clinical Trial. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2026; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41599709/
  2. Liu D, Zhao H, Xu H, Hu J. Effects of celery (Apium graveolens) on blood pressure, glycemic and lipid profile in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Nutr. 2025; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40765738/
  3. Tan TYC, Lim XY, Norahmad NA, et al. Neurological Applications of Celery (Apium graveolens): A Scoping Review. Molecules. 2023; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37570794/
  4. Żęgota Z, Goździk J, Głogowska-Szeląg J. Prospective, Multicenter Evaluation of a Polyherbal Supplement alongside Standard-of-Care Treatment for Mild Knee Osteoarthritis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2021; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34035964/
  5. Le TT, McGrath SR, Fasinu PS. Herb-drug Interactions in Neuropsychiatric Pharmacotherapy – A Review of Clinically Relevant Findings. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34370637/

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are taking medications.