Both celery stalks and seeds are promoted as gout remedies to lower uric acid levels, reduce pain, and as a diuretic to lower blood pressure. How can the humble celery stalk or extracts from its seeds be so helpful?

Cures for gout require lowering uric acid levels. The usual clinical goal is a serum (blood) level of 6 mg/dl. Lowering uric acid levels often dissolves MSU crystals that form primarily from uric acid. The immune system’s reaction to these crystals is the immediate cause of pain and inflammation. Medications such as allopurinol are xanthine oxidase inhibitors: they inhibit the enzyme that is responsible for an important step in the conversion of purines to uric acid in the liver, so less uric acid is produced.

Celery is one of the natural substances that can inhibit xanthine oxidase, according to a study in rats, where the rats lowered their uric acid from 3-n-butylphthalide, or 3nB for short. This is the substance in celery that gives it its characteristic smell and taste.

But the benefits of 3nB for taste sufferers go further. 3nB also has diuretic properties. Therefore, it promotes urine excretion and can lower uric acid levels by improving its excretion in the urine. Also, as a diuretic, it acts to lower blood pressure, which is important for gout sufferers because high blood pressure often accompanies gout.

CELERY AND PAIN RELIEF

Two small studies reached interesting and hopeful conclusions about celery as a pain reliever. An extract of celery, standardized to contain 85% 3nB, was administered to 15 patients with arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout. They took 34 mg twice a day for three weeks. After three weeks, patients reported lower pain levels, with some reporting complete pain relief.

Evidently encouraged by the results, the study was repeated with a larger group, this time of 70 patients, who took a higher dose (75 mg) twice a day for three weeks. The results were better than in the first study. The probability that this beneficial outcome was NOT a dose consequence was calculated to be 1 in 1000 chances.

Two small studies “do not make a summer.” And more research is required to learn more about celery’s positive effect on uric acid levels.

EXPERT OPINION

Leading experts have also endorsed celery as a flavor remedy. A well-known naturopathic doctor, Michael Murray ND, author of Dr. Murray’s Total Body Tune Up, has recommended celery, with the usual caveat that more needs to be learned about how it works.

Another celery fanatic, Dr. James Duke PhD, author of “The Green Pharmacy,” developed the taste and tested allopurinol. He then switched from allopurinol to celery seed extract. He reported that celery seed extract kept his uric acid level below what can often cure gout, and that he had not had a gout attack since he started taking celery seed extract. The interesting thing is that he was able to stop allopurinol and that he said that a human being, like rats, can at least maintain lower uric acid levels with celery.

So there it is. Two experts endorsed celery, and two small studies showed promising results. Celery may be beneficial for taste, lowering blood pressure, and relieving pain. No unwanted side effects were found in the studies. And the research found that the pain often returned when the celery seed extract was discontinued. So if it works for you, you may need to take it for a long time, maybe for life.

How much and in what form? Four to eight fresh celery stalks a day. They are fresher if they are not limp. The 3nB is in the stems, not the leaves. Celery pairs well with cheddar cheese, which is a low-purine food that doesn’t add much uric acid; all foods contain purines to some extent. Juices made from four to eight stems will also give you 3nB. Celery can be put into stews which are a good tasting meal as they increase the daily intake of water as the components of the stew are low to medium purine foods; note that clam chowder is high in purine content.

Dietary supplements Buy celery seed extract standardized to contain 85% 3nB. Tablets or capsules. Twice daily for a total of 150-300 mg daily. These are especially useful if you are bored with eating celery every day and when you travel. Extracts may work better than stems.

Bail! Celery should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing. And if you have kidney disease. If you’re eating a lot of celery or taking celery dietary supplements, don’t spend too much time in the sun.