Benefits
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Standardized celery seed extract has been studied for support of systolic and diastolic blood pressure within the normal range. Effects appear larger in those with elevated baseline readings and are attributed primarily to phthalide compounds.
Provides Dietary Nitrates
Celery is a notable vegetable source of nitrate, which the body converts via the oral microbiome to nitric oxide—a signaling molecule supporting vascular relaxation and healthy circulation.
Delivers Antioxidant Polyphenols
Apigenin and luteolin are flavonoids present in celery that have antioxidant activity in laboratory assays and contribute to the overall phytonutrient density of leafy vegetable intake.
Aids Hydration and Electrolyte Intake
Celery is rich in potassium and water; the dried powder retains potassium content and may complement diets aimed at supporting healthy electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
Concentrated Culinary Nutrient Source
As a dried vegetable powder, it provides a shelf-stable way to add celery's phytonutrient profile to broths, seasoning blends, and smoothies without preparing fresh stalks.
Mechanism of action
Calcium-Channel Modulation by Phthalides
3-n-butylphthalide and related phthalides act on vascular smooth muscle calcium channels, producing vasodilation and contributing to the blood-pressure-lowering signal reported with celery seed extract.
Dietary Nitrate → Nitric Oxide Pathway
Dietary nitrate is reduced to nitrite by oral commensal bacteria and then to nitric oxide systemically, supporting endothelium-independent vasodilation and platelet function within healthy ranges.
Flavonoid Antioxidant Activity
Apigenin and luteolin scavenge reactive oxygen species and modulate NF-κB signaling in laboratory models, contributing to celery's broader phytonutrient anti-inflammatory profile.
Mild Diuretic Effect
Celery has a traditional reputation as a mild diuretic; small effects on sodium and water handling may complement its phthalide-driven vascular actions in supporting healthy blood pressure.
Clinical trials
Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of celery seed extract capsules (1.34 g/day) vs placebo for 4 weeks, with washout, in adults with mild-to-moderate hypertension. Outcomes: office systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
52 hypertensive adults; 4-week crossover intervention.
Active treatment was associated with reductions of approximately 11 mmHg systolic and 8 mmHg diastolic vs baseline; placebo showed no meaningful change. No significant adverse effects reported in the celery group. Supports the use of celery-seed-derived phthalides for blood-pressure support.
Randomized clinical trial evaluating celery seed extract supplementation on Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory scores in hypertensive patients over 4 weeks.
Hypertensive adults; 4-week supplementation.
Supplementation was associated with reductions in anxiety and depression scores alongside blood-pressure changes, suggesting that downstream effects of vascular support may contribute to subjective mood and stress measures in this population.