Safety Evaluation and Biochemical Efficacy of Celery Seed Extract (Apium
Graveolens) Capsules in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized,
Triple-blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over, Clinical Trial
Abstract
Aims: The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety of celery
seed extract (Apium graveolens), as a medicinal herb with active
ingredients such as 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP), in hypertensive patients.
Methods: This study was a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled,
cross-over clinical trial. Hypertensive patients (51 participants)
received 4 celery seed capsules (a total of 1.34g extract per day) or 4
placebo capsules per day for 4-weeks as a supplement to their usual
medication regimen. Results: The results indicated that the celery seed
capsule not only was safe for hypertensive patients but caused a
reduction in BP, FBS, and lipid profile values. Also, it had beneficial
effects on kidney and liver functions. No significant change was
observed in blood cells and serum electrolytes (P>0.05).
The mean reduction in BUN and SCr were 3.43 and 0.075 mg/dL, and in SGPT
and SGOT were 4.08 and 3.03 U/L, respectively (P<0.05). FBS
reduced from 108.53 to 97.96 mg/dL after 4-weeks of celery
administration (P<0.01). The decrease in TC, TG, LDL, and
increase in HDL were 16.37, 16.22, 11.84, and 2.52 mg/dL, respectively
(P<0.001). Conclusions: According to the promising results of
this clinical trial, celery seed extract can be considered a safe
supplement for hypertensive patients.