Therapeutic potential and bioactive compounds of Apium graveolens: A phytopharmacological review

Apium graveolens (A. graveolens), often referred to as celery, is a widely consumed vegetable with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It offers numerous health advantages, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihypertensive properties. Celery is used in both traditional medicine and modern pharmacology for its therapeutic effects. This review is justified to consolidate recent research on its medicinal properties. Emphasizing its therapeutic potential can steer future research and practical applications in pharmaceuticals, enhancing comprehension of its health benefits and encouraging its use in various treatments. Phytochemical studies have discovered numerous bioactive compounds in A. graveolens, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and essential oils, all of which play a role in its extensive pharmacological effects. Studies have demonstrated that A. graveolens exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and other pharmacological effects. The presence of compounds such as apigenin, luteolin, and phthalides plays a pivotal role in these therapeutic effects by modulating various biological pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammatory cascades, and lipid metabolism. These compounds also exhibit diuretic effects, promoting urine production and aiding in toxin removal, thereby alleviating stress on the kidneys. The clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of A. graveolens in humans is still limited; its abundant phytochemical profile and new preclinical findings indicate its promise as an adjunctive therapeutic agent. This review provides a scientific basis for the continued exploration and use of A. graveolens in modern medicine, highlighting its role in promoting its pharmacological aspects through its diverse bioactive components.