Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae), celery, is a hepaxanthic
herb grown as a biennial and under certain conditions, as
an annual. Celery is a native of Eurasia and is grown
mainly in coastal regions. Celery is widely cultivated in
the temperate zones as an important garden crop and the
bleached leaf stalks are relished as a popular vegetable.
Celery seeds are used in India to treat bronchitis,
asthma, liver, and spleen diseases (Satyavati and Raina,
1976). A. graveolens is one of the ingredients in 8 of the
33 Indian polyherbal formulations with reputed lifeprotecting
activity (Handa et al., 1986). Several
components from celery seeds were also reported for
their anticarcinogenic activity (Zheng et al., 1993). Celery
seeds possess a characteristic aroma and pungent taste
and are used as a condiment in the flavoring of food