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.