C?leri

Related Terms

7-O-apiosylglucoside, alpha-methylene gamma-butyrolactone group, Api g, Api g 4, Api g 4 profilin, Apiaceae (family), apigenin, Apium graveolens spp., 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), methoxypsoralen, phthalide, profilin, psoralen, raw celery, sedanolide, seselin, sodium, Umbelliferae (family), xanthotoxin.

Background

Wild celery is found throughout Europe, around the Mediterranean, and in parts of Asia. The leaves, stalks, root, and seeds are edible. In Western cuisine, the stalks of its domesticated relative are commonly 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. Both raw and cooked celery may cause reactions that range from contact dermatitis to anaphylactic shock. Celery contains the chemical psoralen. Contact with or ingestion of cooked or raw celery followed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation (such as from tanning) may cause an acute skin reaction, with symptoms including swelling and redness or, with ongoing exposure, excess skin darkening at the contact site.
The ancient Greeks and Egyptians cultivated celery, which was probably originally used as a medicine. Some Egyptian tombs also contained celery leaves and flowers.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


According to preliminary research, an herbal product containing celery may be useful for painful menstruation. Research evaluating celery alone for this use is needed.

 C


According to preliminary research, an herbal product containing celery may be useful for painful menstruation. Research evaluating celery alone for this use is needed.

 C


According to preliminary research, celery may lower blood pressure. Caution is warranted, as celery may contain sodium. High-quality research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


According to preliminary research, celery may lower blood pressure. Caution is warranted, as celery may contain sodium. High-quality research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that a celery extract may be an effective mosquito repellent. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that a celery extract may be an effective mosquito repellent. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
A celery-based product has been used on the skin as a mosquito repellant.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. 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. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Celery may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Celery may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Celery may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased or increased in blood and may cause altered effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Celery may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Celery may also interact with ACE inhibitors, alcohol, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, antiulcer agents, aspirin, beta-blockers, cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering drugs, diuretics, doxorubicin, light-sensitizing agents, pain relievers, salicylates, and valproic acid.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Tuetun B, Choochote W, Pongpaibul Y, et al. Field evaluation of G10, a celery ()-based topical repellent, against mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. Parasitol Res 2009;104(3):515-521.
Tuetun B, Choochote W, Pongpaibul Y, et al. Celery-based topical repellents as a potential natural alternative for personal protection against mosquitoes. Parasitol Res 2008;104(1):107-115.
Tuetun B, Choochote W, Kanjanapothi D, et al. Repellent properties of celery, L., compared with commercial repellents, against mosquitoes under laboratory and field conditions. Trop Med Int Health 2005;10(11):1190-1198.