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Gout is a chronic inflammatory condition marked by the buildup and crystallization of uric acid in the joints and tissues. The most common location of gout pain is the large toe, although it can occur in other joints too.

Diet plays an important role in many inflammatory conditions, including gout. Through dietary interventions, you may be able to reduce the levels of uric acid in the blood and minimize painful flare-ups.

One common dietary intervention for gout is celery. Celery products, such as seeds and juice, are readily available at grocery stores and health food shops.

Research suggests that certain compounds in celery seed may have benefits in treating gout. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits, dosages, and side effects of using celery seed for gout.

Celery (Apium graveolens) contains many beneficial plant compounds, which are found primarily in the seeds of the plant. The most notable compounds in celery seed include:

  • luteolin
  • 3-n-butylphthalide (3nB)
  • beta-selinene

These compounds have been researched for their role in inflammation and uric acid production, which is a driving force behind the severity of gout attacks.

In one animal study, researchers investigated the impact of luteolin on nitric oxide produced from uric acid. Nitric oxide is an important compound in the body, but it can produce oxidative stress and inflammation in large amounts.

The researchers found that luteolin from celery seeds reduced the production of nitric oxide from uric acid. This study suggests that luteolin might provide some protection from uric acid-induced inflammation in gout. However, more research in humans is needed.

In addition, luteolin is a flavonoid that may directly reduce uric acid production. In one in vitro study, it was revealed that luteolin is one of the flavonoids that can inhibit xanthine oxidase. Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme in the purine pathway, which produces the by-product of uric acid. Reducing uric acid levels with luteolin might reduce the frequency of gout flare-ups.

3-n-butylphthalide (3nB) is another compound from celery that may have benefits against gout inflammation. In a recent study, researchers discovered that exposing certain cells to 3nB reduced both oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory pathways. These results indicate that celery seed may help reduce gout-related inflammation.

One study on Varbenaceae, a medicinal herb, examined the antioxidant properties of beta-selinene. The results showed that beta-selinene demonstrated a wide variety of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits may also be found in the beta-selinene in celery seed, but this study didn’t test celery specifically.

There are a handful of other compounds in celery seed that may exhibit other antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may be especially beneficial in reducing inflammation in conditions such as gout.

Most celery seed studies are either animal studies or in vitro studies, so there’s a lack of research exploring celery seed in human dosages.

However, various research studies may give us a starting place for beneficial dosages in humans. Current research on celery seed has shown benefits at the following dosages:

Research studies on celery seed, like many botanical medicine studies, primarily use hydroalcoholic extracts. These extracts have been standardized to contain certain percentages of beneficial compounds, such as luteolin or 3nB.

With many different standardizations, the dosages may differ between supplements. Here are a few recommendations for celery seed supplements that might be beneficial for gout, although you should speak with your doctor first:

  1. Natural Factors’ Celery Seed Standardized Extract (85% 3nB): Contains 75 mg celery seed/63.75 mg 3nB extract per serving. Recommended dosage is one capsule twice per day.
  2. Solaray’s Celery Seed (505 mg): Contains 505 mg per capsule. Recommended dosage is two capsules per day.
  3. Swanson’s Celery Seed (500 mg): Contains 500 mg per capsule. Recommended dosage is three capsules per day.

You can also try getting more celery into your diet to help reduce the frequency or severity of gout attacks.

Celery stalks and celery juice are a healthy food choice, but they don’t contain as many of the beneficial compounds as the seeds and oil. Because of this, it may be better to incorporate the seeds into your diet to see benefits for gout.

Celery seeds can be added as a spice to savory foods such as salads, casseroles, and even cooked meat.

However, celery stalks do contain fiber, and some research suggests an increase in dietary fiber can reduce gout attacks.

Most people can safely use celery seeds in cooking. However, taking high dosages of celery seed extracts and supplements may come with risks in certain people.

Research has shown that celery seed may be dangerous in pregnant women, as it may cause miscarriage when taken in large doses. You should avoid taking celery seed extracts and supplements if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

In addition, some people may be allergic to a certain fungus that is commonly found in the plant.

As always, it’s important to consult your doctor before starting a new herbal supplement. If you notice negative side effects when taking herbal supplements, see your doctor.

Celery seed contains compounds that may be beneficial in the treatment of gout. Luteolin may reduce uric acid levels and reduce inflammatory nitric oxide production. 3-n-butylphthalide and beta-selinene both exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These benefits might reduce the frequency and severity of painful gout attacks.

There are plenty of celery seed supplements on the market to explore. But if you’re experiencing painful symptoms of gout and are interested in exploring alternative treatment options, speak with your doctor for more information.