Beneficial effects of celery seed extract (Apium graveolens), as a supplement, on anxiety and depression in hypertensive patients: a randomized clinical trial

Background Anxiety and depression are crucial public health issues, affecting the rising in hospitalizations and death. Anxiety and depression can worsen hypertension and vice versa. Objective The current study has investigated the effects of celery seed extract, as a drug supplement, with the active ingredient of 3-n-butylphthalide, on mental problems primarily anxiety and secondary depression in hypertensive patients. Design The current study was a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, 4-week clinical trial with a 4-week washout period. Fifty hypertensive patients received 4 placebo or celery seed extract capsules (1.34 g per day) for 4 weeks as a supplement to their usual medication regimen. The blood pressure parameters were assessed using 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device. Anxiety and depression and their wide range of symptoms were evaluated using Beck anxiety and depression inventories (BAI and BDI). Results In the celery treatment step, the mean reduction in BAI and BDI scores were 6.78 (P < 0.001) and 3.63 (P < 0.01), respectively. Some symptoms of anxiety including unable to relax, nervousness, numbness, dizziness, flushed face, sweating, and breathing difficulty were significantly improved by celery consumption (P < 0.001). Celery could decrease symptoms of depression such as sadness, crying, loss of energy, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, loss of interest in sex, and punishment feeling (P < 0.01). The mean reduction in blood pressure parameters was also significant during celery therapy (P < 0.001). Conclusions The psychometric properties of anxiety and depression were investigated and the results were promising. The results indicated the anti-anxiety and anti-depressive properties of celery seed extract as a supplement in hypertensive patients.