Celery seed oil
Also known as: Celery seed oil, celery seed extract, Apium graveolens
Overview
Celery seed oil is an extract derived from the seeds of Apium graveolens, a plant widely recognized for its culinary and traditional medicinal uses. This botanical dietary supplement is rich in bioactive compounds, including 3-n-butylphthalide and various antioxidants, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. It is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, particularly in the management of hypertension, and for its broader metabolic effects, such as the regulation of lipid and glucose levels. Research on celery seed oil is evolving, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and at least one systematic review/meta-analysis providing insights into its efficacy. While the evidence base is growing, some studies note heterogeneity and limitations in sample size, indicating a need for further robust research to fully elucidate its effects and optimal applications.
Benefits
The primary and most robustly supported benefit of celery seed oil is its significant ability to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP). A meta-analysis of eight studies involving 473 participants demonstrated that celery preparations, particularly from seeds, led to a notable reduction in SBP. A high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 52 hypertensive adults further corroborated this, showing a mean SBP reduction from 141.2 to 130.0 mmHg with 1.34 g/day of celery seed extract, alongside a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), with no significant side effects. Secondary benefits, though less conclusively established in human trials, include improvements in lipid profiles, such as reductions in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL, and increases in HDL. Some animal models and preliminary human studies suggest potential for glycemic control. However, an RCT using 750 mg daily of celery powder for 12 weeks did not show significant improvements in cardiometabolic factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, suggesting that dosage or formulation may influence efficacy for metabolic parameters.
How it works
Celery seed oil exerts its therapeutic effects primarily through its rich composition of phytochemicals, including 3-n-butylphthalide. These compounds act as vasodilators, promoting the widening of blood vessels, which directly contributes to blood pressure reduction. Additionally, the oil possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant activity involves ferrous ion chelation and free radical scavenging, which helps protect the vascular endothelium from oxidative damage and may improve overall metabolic function. The active compounds in celery seed oil are also believed to modulate gene expression related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, as observed in in vitro studies. While specific bioavailability data are limited, oral supplementation appears to effectively deliver these active compounds systemically, enabling their interaction with various biological pathways to support cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Side effects
Celery seed oil is generally considered safe and has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, and no significant adverse events have been reported in randomized controlled trials at doses up to approximately 1.3 grams per day. The current literature does not document any major drug interactions or contraindications. However, individuals with known allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family (which includes celery, carrots, and parsley) should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. Specific studies on pregnant women or other special populations are lacking, so caution is advised for these groups. While the overall safety profile is good, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
Effective dosages of celery seed extract or oil in clinical trials typically range from approximately 1,000 mg to 1,340 mg per day. For blood pressure reduction, some studies suggest that shorter intervention durations (less than 30 days) may show greater efficacy. It's important to note that lower doses, such as 750 mg per day of celery powder, have been found insufficient for significant cardiometabolic improvements in certain populations, indicating that dosage strength and form (oil vs. powder) can influence outcomes. The optimal timing of administration and specific formulation details (e.g., oil vs. powder) require further research for precise optimization. Users should adhere to recommended dosages and consider consulting a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dose for their individual needs and health goals.
FAQs
Is celery seed oil effective for hypertension?
Yes, strong evidence from meta-analyses and RCTs supports its effectiveness in significantly reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure at doses around 1 gram per day.
Are there safety concerns with celery seed oil?
Generally, celery seed oil is considered safe with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials. No major drug interactions or contraindications have been documented.
How quickly do the effects of celery seed oil appear?
Some studies indicate that benefits, particularly for blood pressure reduction, can be observed within as little as four weeks of consistent supplementation.
Can celery seed oil improve lipid and glucose levels?
While some animal and preliminary human data suggest potential improvements in lipid and glucose levels, more robust and conclusive human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12321563/ – This meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (n=473) found that celery preparations significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SMD −1.0; p=0.022), with celery seeds being more effective. The study noted high heterogeneity and variable dosing among included trials, suggesting moderate quality evidence.
- https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Celery-seed-extract-improves-blood-pressure-in-adults-with-hypertension.pdf – This triple-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over RCT (n=52) demonstrated that 1.34 g/day of celery seed extract significantly reduced SBP by approximately 11 mmHg and DBP in hypertensive adults over 4 weeks, with no significant side effects. It is considered a high-quality study despite its small sample size.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10494649/ – This RCT (n=60) investigated the effects of 750 mg daily celery powder for 12 weeks in T2DM patients. The study concluded that this dosage did not significantly improve cardiometabolic factors, suggesting it might be underdosed or that celery powder has limited efficacy for these parameters.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X251325063 – This source discusses the phytochemical composition of celery and its potential mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties, which contribute to its effects on blood pressure and lipid metabolism. It highlights the role of compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7469 – This source provides further details on the mechanisms by which celery seed oil's compounds, such as 3-n-butylphthalide, act as vasodilators and antioxidants. It also touches upon their potential to modulate gene expression related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, supporting the observed cardiovascular benefits.
