Antihypertensive Property Of Celery

Antihypertensive Property of Celery: A Comprehensive Review

Celery has been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, not only for its unique flavor but also for its impressive array of health benefits. One of the most significant advantages of celery is its potential to help regulate blood pressure, which has led researchers to investigate its antihypertensive properties.

What are Antihypertensives?

Antihypertensives are medications or substances that help lower elevated blood pressure levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In the case of celery, its natural compounds have been found to exhibit antihypertensive effects, making it a potential adjunct therapy for managing hypertension.

The Science Behind Celery’s Antihypertensive Effects

Studies have identified several key bioactive compounds in celery that contribute to its antihypertensive properties:

1. 3-N-Butylphthalide (3NB): This compound is found primarily in the stalks and leaves of celery and has been shown to relax blood vessels, reducing peripheral resistance and systolic blood pressure.
2. Luteolin: A flavonoid antioxidant present in celery, luteolin has been demonstrated to inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a key regulator of blood pressure.
3. Apigenin: Another flavonoid found in celery, apigenin has been shown to exhibit vasodilatory properties, causing blood vessels to expand and reducing blood pressure.

Mechanisms of Celery’s Antihypertensive Action

The antihypertensive effects of celery can be attributed to several mechanisms:

1. Vasodilation: The relaxation of blood vessels caused by 3NB and apigenin leads to decreased peripheral resistance, subsequently lowering blood pressure.
2. ACE inhibition: Luteolin’s ability to inhibit ACE activity reduces the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby decreasing blood pressure.
3. Oxidative stress reduction: The antioxidant properties of celery’s flavonoids help mitigate oxidative stress, which can contribute to hypertension.

Clinical Evidence and Future Directions

While the preclinical evidence for celery’s antihypertensive effects is promising, more research is needed to fully understand its potential therapeutic applications. A few studies have investigated the effects of celery extracts or 3NB on blood pressure in animal models or human subjects, with encouraging results:

1. Animal studies: Oral administration of celery extracts or 3NB has been shown to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive rats and mice.
2. Human trials: A small-scale clinical trial found that a celery-based supplement reduced systolic blood pressure in patients with mild hypertension.

In conclusion, the antihypertensive properties of celery are rooted in its unique combination of bioactive compounds, including 3NB, luteolin, and apigenin. Further research is necessary to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying celery’s potential benefits for hypertension management, as well as to establish its efficacy and safety in human clinical trials.

DISCLAIMER:

The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. (Read more)

Sources:

1. Antihypertensive Property of Celery: A Narrative Review on Current Knowledge – https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10950410/
2. Blood Pressure Change After Celery Juice Ingestion in a Hypertensive Elderly Male – https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8703128/