Apium graveolens

Apium graveolens                                            

Common name: Celery seed, Wild celery

Family: Apiaceae

Part used: Fruit (seeds) & root

Constituents:

• Volatile oil (limonene, selenine & phthalide compounds including phtalidglycosides)
• Flavonoids (apigenin, apiin, luteolin, chrysoeriol & quercitin)
• Furanocoumarins
• Fatty acids (linoleic, myristic, oleic, palmitic, stearic, and petroselinic)
• Alkaloids
• Vitamins C, beta-carotene & Minerals (sodium, calcium, iron, potassium)

Medical Actions:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-rheumatic
• Bitter
• Carminative & Antispasmodic
• Diuretic
• Emmenagogue (Uterine stimulant)
• Galactagogue
• Hypotensive
• Nervine relaxant

Medical uses: 

• Used in Persian and European medicine for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and a traditional Chinese medicine prescribed as a treatment for hypertension, gout and diabetes. Ayurvedic medical practitioners use it in stomach and kidney disorders, being considered gently stimulant, nourishing, and restorative for weak conditions.
• Detoxifying towards the musculoskeletal system, and will promote diuresis and the elimination of uric acid & waste products, which is helpful in cases of gout & rheumatism (acute and chronic pain).
• Also useful in nervous restlessness and spasmodic tension, both topically and internally.

Pharmacology:

• Volatile oils can cause  irritation of the kidneys, which may contribute to diuretic effects.
• Volatile oils & alkaloids are calming and appear to have depressant, tranquilizing effects on the CNS.
• Phthalide compounds are antispasmodic, sedative, diuretic & hypotensive.
• Flavonoids are diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic & anti-platelet.

Pharmacy:

• Tincture: (1:2, 40%), 4-8 ml QD, 60 ml weekly max.
• Dried seed: 1-2 g, TID.
• Decoction: 1/2 tsp crushed seeds/cup, simmer 20 min, TID.
• Fresh seed juice: up to 90 ml QD.

Toxicity:

• Monitor in hypertension or fluid retention due to sodium content.
• Furanocoumarins in combination with UV light may cause photodermatitis.

Contraindications:

• Use caution in acute kidney conditions due to the irritating effect of the volatile oils.
• Avoid in pregnancy due to volatile oils with possible abortifacient effects.
• Potential for allergy exists.

Interactions: 

• Theoretically reduce serum levels of thyroxine.

References:

• Find a complete list of references for this monograph as well as images and a review of its evidence based applications in Dr. Marciano’s Herbal Textbook.