Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen, 5-methoxypsoralen, 7-O-apiosylglucoside, alpha-methylene gamma-butyrolactone group, Api g, Api g 4, Api g 4 profilin, Apiaceae (family), apigenin, Apium graveolens, Apium graveolens L., ascorbic acid, bergapten, celeriac, celery extract, celery juice, celery profilin, celery root, celery seed, celery seed oil, celery soup, celery spice, celery tuber, cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, crude celery, falcarindiol, falcarinol, furocoumarins, immunogenic food, isopimpinellin, luteolin, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen), phthalide, profilin, psoralen, raw celery, sedanolide, seselin, sodium, Umbelliferae (family), xanthotoxin.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Wild celery can be found throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. The leaves, stalks, root, and seeds can be eaten. In Western cuisine, the stalks of its domesticated cousin are commonly used in cooking and may be eaten raw alone or in salads, or as a cooked ingredient in various recipes. Celery seed has also been used as a diuretic and to treat gout.
• Allergy to celery is fairly common, as celery contains an allergen similar to the birch pollen allergen (1;​2;​3;​4;​5). Both raw and cooked celery may cause reactions that range from contact dermatitis to anaphylactic shock (6;​7;​8;​9;​10).
• Due to its psoralen content, contact with or ingestion of cooked or raw celery and subsequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause phytophotodermatitis (4;​11;​12;​13;​14;​15;​16;​17). Ingestion of psoralen 45mg from celery and subsequent tanning has caused severe phototoxic burn (4;​18). Other psoralen-containing plants include limes, lemons, parsley, figs, parsnip, carrots, certain oranges, some natural grasses, and dill (12;​18;​19). Acute symptoms of the phytophotodermatitis include skin eruption with edema and erythema, whereas the main chronic symptom is hyperpigmentation at the contact site (18).
• Clinical trial has shown that celery seed may be effective in the treatment of dysmenorrhea, hypertension, and as a mosquito repellent. Several of the products used in the studies were combination products, and it is difficult to deduce the effects of celery alone. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of celery for any indication and further study is required before firm conclusions may be drawn.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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