Apigen Graveolens
Also known as: Apium graveolens L., Celery, Apium graveolens
Overview
Apium graveolens, commonly known as celery, is a plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, widely utilized both as a food source and in traditional medicine. It is rich in bioactive flavonoids, including apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol, which are believed to be responsible for many of its therapeutic properties. Research on celery extracts primarily focuses on their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardiometabolic, and anticancer effects. While much of the evidence comes from animal models and in vitro studies, there is a growing body of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs), particularly concerning its cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. The overall research maturity is moderate, with increasing interest in clinical applications and mechanistic understanding. Celery is consumed in various forms, including fresh stalks, seeds, and concentrated extracts, and is gaining recognition as a botanical dietary supplement.
Benefits
Apium graveolens offers several evidence-based health benefits, primarily due to its rich flavonoid content. A significant benefit lies in its cardiometabolic effects; a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated that celery preparations significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improve blood glucose levels, and favorably modulate lipid profiles in adults. These findings are supported by robust sensitivity analyses, indicating a clinically relevant effect. Furthermore, preclinical studies highlight its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, with methanolic extracts showing efficacy in reducing inflammatory markers and oxidative stress in animal models of liver toxicity. Celery also exhibits anticancer potential in preclinical settings, likely through the inhibitory effects of flavonoids like apigenin on cancer progression pathways. Its role in glucose metabolism is notable, as apigenin regulates miRNAs related to insulin resistance, enhances GLUT4 expression, activates AMPK signaling, and inhibits α-amylase, collectively contributing to improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in animal and cell studies. While the strength of evidence varies, the cardiometabolic benefits are supported by high-quality meta-analyses of human RCTs, making it a promising supplement for individuals seeking to support cardiovascular and metabolic health.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Apium graveolens are primarily attributed to its flavonoid compounds, particularly apigenin. These bioactive molecules exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting key mediators like NF-κB, thereby reducing systemic inflammation. Flavonoids also activate the NRF2 pathway, enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses and mitigating oxidative stress. In terms of metabolic regulation, apigenin influences gene expression through microRNA (miRNA) modulation, which can improve insulin signaling and glucose uptake by enhancing GLUT4 expression and activating AMPK signaling. Additionally, these compounds can inhibit digestive enzymes such as α-amylase, leading to delayed carbohydrate absorption and contributing to better glycemic control. Although flavonoids undergo metabolism in the body, they retain significant biological activity in target tissues, allowing them to interact with various cellular pathways and contribute to the observed health benefits.
Side effects
Apium graveolens extracts and apigenin are generally considered safe when consumed at recommended doses in both human and animal studies. Adverse effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported, though infrequently. There have been no significant drug interactions or contraindications consistently reported in high-quality research studies. However, caution is advised for specific populations due to limited data. Pregnant and lactating individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using celery supplements, as their safety in these groups has not been extensively studied. Similarly, individuals on anticoagulant medications should exercise caution, as some plant compounds can theoretically affect blood clotting, although no direct interactions with celery have been definitively established in clinical trials. Overall, the safety profile appears favorable, but comprehensive long-term studies and specific population research are still needed to fully ascertain all potential risks and interactions.
Dosage
The optimal dosage for Apium graveolens varies depending on the specific preparation and desired health outcome, as clinical trials have utilized diverse forms, including celery powder and extracts standardized for flavonoid content. For cardiometabolic effects, effective doses reported in clinical trials ranged from 100 mg to several grams daily of celery preparations. For instance, meta-analyses on blood pressure and metabolic effects observed benefits within this broad range, though specific formulations and their concentrations differ. Optimal dosing requires further standardization, and the timing of administration, such as taking it with meals, may potentially enhance absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds. While cofactors like vitamin C or other antioxidants are sometimes suggested to synergize with celery's effects, conclusive evidence supporting this claim is currently lacking. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds that have been definitively determined, but adherence to doses used in clinical studies is generally recommended.
FAQs
Is celery extract effective for blood pressure?
Yes, meta-analyses of human randomized controlled trials confirm that celery preparations can lead to modest but statistically significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
How quickly do effects appear?
Clinical trials typically observe the beneficial effects of celery preparations, particularly on blood pressure and metabolic markers, within a timeframe of several weeks to a few months of consistent use.
Is apigenin the active component?
Apigenin is a major bioactive flavonoid in celery and contributes significantly to its effects. However, whole celery extracts contain multiple compounds that may offer synergistic benefits beyond apigenin alone.
Are there safety concerns?
Celery extracts are generally considered safe. No major adverse effects have been reported in human randomized controlled trials, with only rare instances of mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Research Sources
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/09731296231170931 – This animal study investigated the hepatoprotective and anti-cancer potential of methanolic extracts of Apium graveolens in mice with DEN-induced liver toxicity. The findings indicated that the extract reduced liver inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting its potential as an anti-cancer agent, though further human research is needed.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40765738/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that celery preparations significantly lowered blood pressure and improved glucose and lipid profiles in adults. The study included robust sensitivity analyses, supporting the clinical relevance of celery for cardiometabolic health despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.875826/full – This systematic review synthesized in vitro and in vivo evidence on apigenin's role in glucose metabolism. It concluded that apigenin modulates miRNAs, activates AMPK/GLUT4 pathways, and inhibits α-amylase, collectively improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, primarily based on preclinical data.
