Does Celery Juice Help Kidney Function and Fight Autoimmune Disease?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The current research indicates that celery juice and extracts have significant protective effects on kidney function, including reducing crystal deposition, proteinuria, anemia, and oxidative stress. These findings support the potential use of celery as a natural remedy for kidney health. While the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of celery suggest possible benefits for autoimmune diseases, further research is required to confirm these effects.

Celery (Apium graveolens L.) has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, including its potential benefits for kidney function and autoimmune diseases. Recent scientific studies have explored these claims, providing insights into the mechanisms and efficacy of celery juice and extracts. This article reviews the current research on the effects of celery on kidney health and its potential role in combating autoimmune diseases.

Celery Juice and Kidney Function

Protective Effects Against Urolithiasis

A study investigated the impact of celery juice on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats. The results demonstrated that celery juice significantly reduced crystal deposition in kidney tubules and mitigated kidney damage, including inflammation and cell death. The protective effects were evident through both light and electron microscopy, showing healthier renal tubules and glomeruli in the celery-treated group compared to the control group1.

Reduction of Proteinuria

Another study focused on the effect of celery ethanol extract on proteinuria in a unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) rat model. Proteinuria is a marker of impaired kidney function. The study found that celery ethanol extract significantly reduced proteinuria levels, with the most effective dose being 250 mg/kg body weight. This suggests that celery can help maintain kidney filtration function2.

Prevention of Anemia in CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often leads to anemia, which can severely impact the quality of life. Research on the protective effect of celery ethanol extract in a CKD rat model showed that celery extract could prevent anemia by maintaining higher levels of hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit. The most effective dose was 250 mg/kg body weight per day3.

Antioxidant Properties

Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the progression of CKD. A study evaluated the antioxidant effects of celery ethanol extract in a CKD rat model. The results indicated that celery extract reduced oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). The most effective dose was 250 mg/kg body weight, highlighting celery’s potential to mitigate oxidative damage in CKD4.

Repairing Kidney Damage

Celery extract has also been shown to repair kidney damage induced by aspirin in white rats. The study observed that celery extract at various doses could reduce cellular damage and glomerular swelling, suggesting its potential in treating kidney injuries caused by medications5.

Celery and Autoimmune Diseases

While the provided studies primarily focus on kidney function, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of celery suggest potential benefits for autoimmune diseases. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are common features of many autoimmune conditions, and celery’s ability to modulate these processes could be beneficial. However, specific studies on celery’s effects on autoimmune diseases are needed to draw definitive conclusions.