Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Phthalides, particularly those found in celery (Apium graveolens), have been investigated for their potential antihypertensive effects. Scientific interest in phthalides began after traditional use of celery in Chinese medicine for lowering blood pressure prompted researchers to isolate and study its active compounds. The most studied phthalide is 3-n-butylphthalide (NBP). Animal studies have demonstrated that NBP and related phthalides can induce vasodilation, reduce vascular resistance, and inhibit calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle, all of which may contribute to blood pressure reduction. Some small clinical trials and pilot studies in humans suggest that celery seed extract containing phthalides may modestly lower blood pressure in people with mild to moderate hypertension. However, these studies are generally limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and lack of rigorous controls. Systematic reviews and larger randomized clinical trials are lacking, and the precise mechanisms in humans remain under investigation. Overall, while there is some scientific basis and preliminary clinical data supporting the use of phthalides for hypertension, the evidence is not strong or definitive. Thus, phthalides are considered to have limited but suggestive scientific validation for this purpose, meriting a moderate evidence rating.

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