The Role of Celery (Apium graveolens) Seed Extract in Blood Pressure Regulation: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Celery has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for hypertension. Its proposed active compound, 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB), is thought to have vasodilatory properties. This review evaluates the clinical and preclinical evidence for celery seed extract in blood pressure management.

Methods: A search of multiple databases was performed for preclinical and clinical studies assessing the hypotensive effects of celery or its extracts.

Results: The review identified numerous animal studies demonstrating a significant blood pressure-lowering effect. The few existing human clinical trials, though small, reported a statistically significant reduction in both SBP and DBP in patients with mild to moderate hypertension after supplementation with standardized celery seed extract.

Discussion: Celery seed extract appears to lower blood pressure, likely acting as a natural calcium channel blocker and diuretic. While promising, the clinical evidence base is still small and requires confirmation in larger RCTs.

Conclusion: Preliminary evidence suggests that celery seed extract is a promising herbal intervention for hypertension.