Apium graveolens
What's the taxonomical classification of Apium graveolens?
Apium graveolens belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. It further falls under the order Apiales and is a member of the family Apiaceae. Finally, its specific classification is defined by the genus Apium and the species graveolens.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Apium |
| Species | graveolens |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Apium graveolens has a hollow, succulent stem that reaches heights of up to one meter, complemented by pinnate leaves featuring serrated edges and a deep green color. The plant develops a taproot system that provides stability and nutrient uptake from the soil. Small, white flowers grow in compound umbels, which are characteristic of the Apiaceae family. These floral clusters eventually produce small, oval-shaped fruits that contain numerous seeds. The overall structure is herbaceous and can vary in size depending on the specific cultivar and growing environment.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the wetlands and marshy areas of Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. It thrives in coastal regions and along the banks of freshwater streams where the soil remains consistently moist. While its natural range is concentrated in these specific temperate zones, it has become naturalized in many other parts of the world through human introduction. Cultivated varieties are now grown globally for culinary purposes, particularly in North America and parts of Asia. Its ability to adapt to various maritime and riparian environments allows it to spread easily in suitable climates.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as celery, requires well-drained, organic-rich soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.7 and consistent moisture to thrive.
Seeds should be started indoors several weeks before the last frost to ensure a strong initial root system. Once transplanted, the crops benefit from heavy mulching to retain soil moisture and keep the stalks cool. Regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich amendments is necessary to encourage vigorous leaf and stalk development.
Providing full sun or light partial shade helps maximize the flavor and crunch of the harvested stems.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Apium graveolens provides medicinal benefits through its celery seed, leaf, root, stalk, and stem. The dried celery seed is frequently used in traditional medicine to support digestive health and act as a diuretic. Consuming the leaf and the stalk can provide essential nutrients and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. The root is often utilized in decoctions to treat various ailments related to the urinary tract. Even the stem contributes to the overall nutritional profile used in holistic remedies.
According to a study published by "Journal of midwifery & women's health", the celery seed extract of Apium graveolenes was part of an herbal drug given in 500 mg doses. This drug was administered three times a day for three days to 180 female students aged 18 to 27. The study monitored the participants for two to three cycles starting from the onset of bleeding or pain. Results showed statistically significant reductions in pain scores and pain duration for the group taking the extract, with a P < .001 value. Main outcome measures were recorded at 2 and 3 months using a visual analogue scale.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- celery seed
- leaf
- root
- stalk
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, commonly known as celery, has been utilized for centuries across diverse cultures including Ayurveda, Native American herbal medicine, and the Tengres society to treat various ailments. In the Ayurvedic tradition, it is frequently employed to balance bodily energies and support digestive health. Native American tribes have historically used the plant to address issues such as inflammation and kidney function. Within the Tengres society, it has played a role in traditional dietary and medicinal practices to promote general well-being. These varied historical applications demonstrate the widespread botanical significance of the species throughout different global healing systems.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Apium graveolens is a plant of importance in the Ayurvedic system of traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. During the screening process, 54 plant extracts consisting of methanol and aqueous solutions were assayed for their activity against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi. The study found that Apium graveolens showed moderate antimicrobial activity.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Native American Herbal Medicine
- Tenggerese Society
What are the pharmacological activities of Apium graveolens?
This plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hypouricemic pharmacological activities. Its diverse chemical constituents allow it to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in the body. The plant also functions as a potent anti-inflammatory agent to reduce systemic swelling and pain. Furthermore, it assists in metabolic regulation by lowering blood glucose levels and improving lipid profiles. Finally, it plays a crucial role in managing uric acid levels through its hypouricemic properties.
According to a study published by "Nutrition and cancer", Apium graveolens is identified as a medicinal plant source from which natural flavonoids are derived. These natural flavonoids possess antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-cancerous activities through multiple pathways. They can induce apoptosis in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers. Additionally, they lower the nucleoside diphosphate kinase-B activity in lung, bladder, and colon cancers. These compounds also inhibit cell-proliferation and cell cycle arrest by suppressing the NF-kB pathway in various cancers.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammation
- anti-hyperlipidemic
- anti-hyperglycemic
- diuretic (Note: based on the list provided, the most relevant are: antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hyperglycemic, and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity)
- Correction based strictly on the provided list:
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammation
- anti-hyperlipidemic
- anti-hyperglycemic
- xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds 3-n-butylphthalide, apiin, apigenin, luteolin, and sedanolide. These bioactive substances contribute to the plant's diverse therapeutic potential in traditional and modern medicine. The phthalide derivatives, specifically 3-n-butylphthalide and sedanolide, are often studied for their effects on blood circulation and neurological health. Additionally, the flavonoids apigenin and luteolin provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The glycoside apiin further complements this chemical profile by supporting digestive functions.
According to a study published by "Journal of food biochemistry", Apium graveolens is a popular plant with nutritive and medicinal benefits. It contains bioactive compounds such as apiin, apigenin, and luteolin. These specific compounds are rendered insoluble due to their interaction with polysaccharides in the cell wall, which makes them less bioavailable. Hydrolyzing these compounds could increase the yield of bioactive compounds in celery.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 3-n-butylphthalide
- Apiin
- Apiin
- Apigenin
- Sedanolide
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing hypertension, lowering blood pressure, treating hyperuricemia, alleviating gout, and reducing hyperlipidemia. Its natural diuretic properties help the body eliminate excess salt and water to regulate blood pressure levels effectively. The plant also assists in reducing uric acid concentration in the bloodstream, which is essential for preventing gout flares. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds contribute to improving lipid profiles by helping to manage hyperlipidemia. These combined medicinal effects make it a versatile botanical option for various metabolic and cardiovascular concerns.
According to a study published by "Inflammopharmacology", Apium graveolens was evaluated in 51 hypertensive patients receiving 1.34 g of extract per day via 4 capsules for 4 weeks. The administration of this extract caused a reduction in BP, FBS, and lipid profile values, including a decrease in FBS from 108.53 to 97.96 mg/dL. It also provided beneficial effects on kidney and liver functions, with mean reductions in BUN and SCr of 3.43 and 0.075 mg/dL, and in SGPT and SGOT of 4.08 and 3.03 U/L. Furthermore, the extract led to a decrease in TC, TG, and LDL by 16.37, 16.22, and 11.84 mg/dL, respectively, while HDL increased by 2.52 mg/dL. These results indicate that Apium graveolens is a safe supplement for hypertensive patients.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- blood pressure
- hyperuricemia
- gout
- hypertension
- diabetes mellitus
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including Apium graveolens extract, celery juice, essential oil, herbal teas, and tincture. The concentrated extract and tincture provide potent doses of bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. Freshly pressed celery juice is often consumed as a liquid supplement to support hydration and nutrient intake. Herbal teas made from the dried leaves or seeds offer a gentle way to ingest the plant's properties. Finally, the essential oil serves as a highly concentrated aromatic or topical application.
According to a study published by "Scientia pharmaceutica", Apium graveolens is an edible and traditionally medicinal plant used worldwide for the treatment of hypertension. In a study involving Sprague-Dawley strain rats divided into 2 groups of n = 6, Group II was pretreated with an oral dose of 40 mg/kg BW of celery extract. When administered in combination, the celery extract increased the Cmax by 38.67%, the T1/2 by 37.84%, and the AUC by 58.10%. Additionally, the extract caused a 27.45% decrease in the Ke of captopril in Group II compared to Group I. These findings suggest that the celery extract can alter pharmacokinetics and may enhance the efficacy of the treatment for hypertension.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Apium graveolens extract
- celery juice
- essential oil
- herbal teas
- tincture
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health issues including hyperuricemia, gout, hypertension, skin irritation, and toxicity of trace elements. Consuming large amounts may lead to elevated uric acid levels, which directly contributes to the development of painful gout attacks. The plant's chemical composition can also impact blood pressure regulation, potentially leading to hypertension in sensitive individuals. Topical exposure or ingestion may result in uncomfortable skin irritation for many users. Furthermore, the accumulation of toxicity of trace elements within the body poses a serious risk to long-term organ health.
According to a study published by "Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics", the investigation of Apium graveolens focused on its potential as a herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of gout. The network analysis identified 16 active compounds and thirteen key targets of Apium graveolens in the treatment of gout. Using ShinyGO v0.75, the study suggested that the mechanism of action might involve several pathways, notably the PI3K-Akt, Ras, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Additionally, molecular docking and molecular dynamics revealed that apiumetin might be an important chemical playing a key role in the pharmacological effect of the plant. These findings could be used to select Q-markers to control the quality of products from Apium graveolens.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- gout
- hypertension
- hyperuricemia
- skin irritation
- toxicity of trace elements
What herbs are paired with Apium graveolens?
This plant pairs effectively with aromatic herbs such as parsley, dill, cilantro, and mint to enhance its savory and salty flavor profile.
When used in culinary applications, the celery stalks provide a structural base that complements the bright notes of fresh basil. Adding rosemary or thyme can introduce earthy undertones that ground the plant's natural sweetness. These combinations are frequently employed in soups, stews, and salads to create complex herbal layers.
Utilizing these specific pairings ensures a balanced seasoning that highlights the plant's unique profile.