The effect of celery (Apium graveolens) powder on cardiometabolic factors in overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Celery (Apium graveolens) was shown to have beneficial effects on cardiometabolic factors in animal models. As the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adversely affects cardiometabolic factors, we aimed to assess the effects of celery powder on glycemic and anthropometric indices, lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, and blood pressure of individuals with T2DM. In a pilot randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 50 eligible adults with T2DM were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control to consume either 750 mg of celery powder (obtained from fresh celery) or placebo along with a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks, respectively. Dietary intake, physical activity, and cardiometabolic factors were assessed before and at the end of the study. Thirty-six patients finished the study (18 in each group). Consumption of celery powder significantly reduced body fat percentage (p = .021). Between-group analysis for changes in cardiometabolic factors did not show significant differences. Although malondialdehyde was reduced in the intervention group and increased in the control group, between-group changes were not significant. Although the insulin-level change was statistically insignificant, a clinical improvement was observed in the intervention group. A 750-mg daily supplementation of celery powder for 12 weeks did not improve the cardiometabolic factors of patients with T2DM. Further studies are suggested.

Keywords: Apium graveolens; celery; hyperglycemia; hyperlipidemia; hypertension; weight loss.

FIGURE 1

Consort flowchart for participant recruitment and study procedure.