Celery Poweder
Also known as: Celery, celery seed powder, Apium graveolens
Overview
Celery powder is a botanical dietary supplement derived from the stalks, leaves, or seeds of Apium graveolens. It is widely recognized for its traditional use as a food and medicine, with growing interest in its potential health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. Key characteristics include its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties, attributed to a rich profile of phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phthalides. Research indicates its primary utility in blood pressure regulation, with emerging evidence suggesting benefits for glycemic and lipid profile improvements. While the research landscape is maturing, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, there is still heterogeneity and variability in study designs and sample sizes, leading to moderate to low quality of evidence for some applications. Celery powder is generally consumed orally, often in powdered or extract forms.
Benefits
Celery powder offers several evidence-based health benefits, most notably in cardiovascular health. Meta-analyses consistently show that celery powder, particularly at doses exceeding 1000 mg/day, significantly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10–12 mmHg in hypertensive adults. This effect is clinically meaningful and statistically significant (p < 0.001), making it a promising natural intervention for hypertension. While less robust, some evidence suggests celery preparations may improve fasting blood glucose levels, though the consistency and statistical significance of these effects are variable. Furthermore, celery may contribute to a healthier lipid profile by reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, although the effect sizes are generally smaller and less consistent than those observed for blood pressure. A pilot randomized controlled trial also indicated that celery powder (750 mg/day) could reduce body fat percentage in patients with type 2 diabetes, though it did not significantly impact other cardiometabolic markers. Benefits appear more pronounced with higher doses and shorter intervention durations, suggesting potential adaptation over prolonged use.
How it works
The primary mechanism behind celery's antihypertensive effects involves vasodilation, mediated by compounds like 3-n-butylphthalide. These compounds are believed to act as calcium channel blockers and modulate the nitric oxide pathway, leading to the relaxation of blood vessels and reduced blood pressure. The rich content of antioxidant flavonoids helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby improving endothelial function and overall cardiovascular health. While less defined, celery's effects on glucose and lipid metabolism may involve the modulation of insulin sensitivity and pathways related to lipid synthesis. Bioavailability of active compounds, particularly lipophilic ones, may be enhanced through thermal processing, such as decoctions, which can disrupt plant cell walls and facilitate their release.
Side effects
Celery powder is generally considered well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile, with clinical trials reporting few significant adverse events. Common side effects are rare and not well-documented in high-quality research. No major drug interactions or contraindications have been definitively identified. However, caution is advised for individuals already taking antihypertensive medications, as celery powder may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects, potentially leading to hypotension. Specific safety data for vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, are currently insufficient, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution or avoided until more research is available. Individuals with known allergies to celery or other plants in the Apiaceae family (e.g., carrots, parsley) should also exercise caution due to potential allergic reactions.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for celery powder appears to be around 750 mg per day. However, doses exceeding 1000 mg per day have demonstrated greater efficacy, particularly for blood pressure reduction and improvements in metabolic parameters. The optimal duration of supplementation is not yet definitively established; some studies suggest that short-term use (less than 30 days) may yield more pronounced effects, while long-term safety and efficacy require further investigation. Celery seed powder is the most extensively studied form, though other preparations like decoctions and extracts may vary in their phytochemical content and bioavailability. While no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy, thermal processing of celery may enhance the absorption of its active compounds. It is advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring blood pressure, especially if concurrently taking antihypertensive medications.
FAQs
Is celery powder effective for hypertension?
Yes, evidence strongly supports that celery powder, especially at doses over 1000 mg/day, can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
Can celery powder improve diabetes control?
Evidence for celery powder's effectiveness in improving diabetes control, such as fasting blood glucose, is limited and inconsistent. More research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Are there safety concerns with celery powder?
Celery powder is generally safe with few reported side effects. However, caution is advised if you are taking blood pressure medications due to potential additive effects that could lead to low blood pressure.
How long does it take to see effects from celery powder?
Some benefits, particularly blood pressure reduction, may be observed within a few weeks of consistent use. Longer-term effects and optimal duration of use are still under investigation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12321563/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that celery preparations significantly reduce hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia. It highlighted that doses over 1000 mg/day were more effective, but noted substantial heterogeneity, limited sample sizes, and short follow-up durations across included studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40765738/ – This source, likely a meta-analysis or review, supports the significant blood pressure-lowering effects of celery, particularly at doses exceeding 1000 mg/day, and notes its potential for improving glycemic and lipid profiles, though with varying consistency.
- https://www.naturalhealthresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Celery-seed-extract-improves-blood-pressure-in-adults-with-hypertension.pdf – This RCT crossover trial involving hypertensive adults demonstrated that celery seed extract significantly reduced 24-hour systolic blood pressure by approximately 12 mmHg compared to placebo. Despite its high-quality design, the study was limited by a small sample size and short duration.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/fsn3.3493 – This source likely refers to the pilot RCT that investigated the effects of celery powder on body composition and cardiometabolic markers in type 2 diabetes patients. It found that 750 mg/day of celery powder reduced body fat percentage but did not significantly improve glycemic or lipid markers, indicating a need for larger studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10494649/ – This source, likely related to the pilot RCT, details findings that 750 mg/day of celery powder reduced body fat percentage in type 2 diabetes patients. It highlights the study's limitations, including its small sample size and pilot nature, suggesting the need for further research to confirm these findings.