Celery seed extract reduced muscle loss and improved muscle strength in obese and aging mice by decreasing fat buildup inside muscle tissue and boosting mitochondrial energy production, according to a 2026 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The extract activated cellular pathways that improve how cells produce energy and reduced inflammation that damages muscles. However, these results come from mouse studies, and human research is needed before recommending celery seed supplements for muscle health.
According to Gram Research analysis, a new study found that celery seed extract may help prevent muscle loss that comes with aging and obesity. Researchers gave the extract to mice and found it improved muscle strength and reduced fat buildup inside muscle tissue. The extract worked by boosting how well mitochondria (the energy factories in cells) function and reducing inflammation. While these results are promising, the study was done in mice, so scientists need to test whether the same benefits work in humans before making recommendations.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study in Frontiers in Nutrition found that celery seed extract significantly improved skeletal muscle mass and grip strength in both diet-induced obese mice and naturally aged mice compared to untreated controls.
Research reviewed by Gram showed that celery seed extract reduced intramuscular triglyceride and cholesterol accumulation in mice, with improvements linked to activation of the AMPK-PGC-1alpha pathway that enhances mitochondrial energy production.
The study demonstrated that intramuscular lipid accumulation was closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory activation, and muscle atrophy in mice, suggesting that reducing muscle fat may be key to preventing age-related muscle loss.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether celery seed extract could help prevent muscle loss and weakness that happens as people age or gain weight
- Who participated: Laboratory mice, including some that were overweight and some that were naturally old
- Key finding: Mice that received celery seed extract had stronger muscles, more muscle mass, and less fat stored inside their muscle tissue compared to mice that didn’t receive it
- What it means for you: Celery seed extract shows promise as a natural supplement for muscle health, but human studies are needed before people should start taking it for this purpose. Talk to your doctor before trying new supplements
The Research Details
Researchers used two groups of mice to test celery seed extract. One group consisted of mice that had been fed a high-fat diet to make them overweight, similar to obesity in humans. The other group was naturally aged mice. Both groups received celery seed extract while control groups received no supplement. The scientists then examined the mice’s muscles under microscopes, measured their grip strength, and analyzed the chemical processes happening inside their muscle cells.
They looked at several important things: how much muscle mass the mice had, how strong their grip was, how much fat was stored inside the muscle tissue, and how well the mitochondria (energy-producing parts of cells) were working. They also checked for signs of inflammation and looked at the proteins involved in building and breaking down muscle.
This type of study is important because it allows researchers to carefully control conditions and measure specific effects that would be hard to study in humans. However, results in mice don’t always translate directly to humans, so more research is needed.
This research approach matters because sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) is a serious health problem affecting millions of older adults. Understanding how fat accumulates inside muscles and damages them could lead to new treatments. By testing celery seed extract in controlled conditions, researchers can identify the exact mechanisms that make it work before moving to human trials.
This study was published in Frontiers in Nutrition, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The researchers used multiple methods to measure outcomes, including biochemical tests, molecular analysis, and visual examination of muscle tissue under microscopes. However, because this is an animal study, the results may not directly apply to humans. The study did not specify the exact number of mice used, which makes it harder to assess the statistical power of the findings.
What the Results Show
Mice that received celery seed extract showed significant improvements in muscle health compared to control mice. Both the overweight mice and the aged mice had more muscle mass and stronger grip strength after receiving the supplement. When researchers examined the muscle tissue under microscopes, they found that the treated mice had larger muscle fibers and less fat stored inside the muscles.
The extract appeared to work by improving how mitochondria function. Mitochondria are like tiny power plants inside cells that produce energy. The celery seed extract activated a pathway called AMPK-PGC-1alpha, which is like flipping a switch that tells cells to produce more energy-burning machinery. This helped the muscles work more efficiently.
The extract also reduced inflammation in the muscle tissue. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or stress, and too much of it can damage muscles. The celery seed extract turned down inflammatory signals, particularly by blocking something called NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Additionally, the extract improved muscle protein balance by increasing proteins that build muscle while decreasing proteins that break muscle down.
The research revealed that fat accumulation inside muscles was closely linked to several problems: poor mitochondrial function, high inflammation, and muscle breakdown. This suggests that reducing intramuscular fat might be a key strategy for preventing muscle loss. The extract also improved the balance of proteins involved in muscle growth versus muscle breakdown, with increases in myogenic regulators (proteins that help build muscle) and decreases in proteolytic factors like MuRF1, Atrogin-1, and myostatin (proteins that break down muscle).
Previous research has shown that celery seed extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but this is one of the first studies to examine its effects on muscle metabolism and sarcopenia. The findings align with other research showing that reducing inflammation and improving mitochondrial function can help preserve muscle mass. The focus on intramuscular fat as a key problem is consistent with recent scientific understanding that fat inside muscles is more harmful than fat under the skin.
This study was conducted entirely in mice, not humans, so the results may not directly apply to people. The abstract did not specify how many mice were used, making it difficult to assess whether the sample size was large enough to draw strong conclusions. The study did not compare celery seed extract to other treatments or supplements, so it’s unclear whether it’s more or less effective than alternatives. Additionally, the study did not examine how long the benefits lasted or what dose of extract would be appropriate for humans.
The Bottom Line
Based on this mouse study, celery seed extract shows promise for muscle health, but human studies are needed before making recommendations. Do not start taking celery seed supplements specifically for muscle loss without consulting your doctor, as the evidence is still preliminary. If you’re interested in preventing muscle loss, focus on proven strategies: strength training, adequate protein intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
This research is most relevant to older adults concerned about muscle loss, people with obesity, and researchers studying sarcopenia. It may also interest people looking for natural approaches to muscle health. However, until human studies are completed, this remains a laboratory finding rather than a proven treatment. People with existing health conditions or taking medications should consult their doctor before trying new supplements.
In the mice studied, improvements in muscle strength and mass appeared to develop over the course of the supplementation period. If similar effects occur in humans, they would likely take weeks to months to become noticeable. However, this timeline is speculative since human studies have not yet been conducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can celery seed extract help prevent muscle loss as I age?
Celery seed extract showed promise in mice by improving muscle strength and reducing fat inside muscles, but human studies haven’t been done yet. Don’t rely on it alone; focus on strength training and adequate protein intake, which are proven to prevent age-related muscle loss.
How does celery seed extract improve muscle health?
In mice, the extract activated the AMPK-PGC-1alpha pathway, which boosts mitochondrial energy production and reduces inflammation. It also decreased fat accumulation inside muscle tissue and improved the balance between muscle-building and muscle-breaking proteins.
Is celery seed extract safe to take as a supplement?
Celery seeds are generally recognized as safe in food amounts, but supplement safety depends on dose and individual health factors. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.
What’s the difference between this study and human research?
This study used mice, which allows precise control but doesn’t guarantee human results. Mice metabolize substances differently than humans, and dosages that work in mice often need adjustment for people. Human clinical trials are the next necessary step.
Should I start taking celery seed supplements to build muscle?
Not yet based on this evidence. Proven strategies for muscle building include resistance training 3 times weekly, eating 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily, and maintaining adequate calories. Consult your doctor before adding supplements.
Want to Apply This Research?
- If you decide to try celery seed extract under medical supervision, track your grip strength weekly using a simple hand dynamometer (available online), and measure muscle mass monthly using a scale or body composition monitor to see if the supplement affects your muscle development
- Combine any celery seed supplementation with consistent strength training at least 3 times per week and ensure you’re eating enough protein (0.8 to 1 gram per pound of body weight daily) to give your muscles the building blocks they need
- Keep a log of your energy levels, muscle soreness after exercise, and overall strength improvements over 8 to 12 weeks. If you notice positive changes, continue the routine; if not, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider
This article summarizes research conducted in mice and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a recommendation to take celery seed supplements. Sarcopenia and muscle loss are serious medical conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment. Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your healthcare provider. The findings presented here are preliminary and require human clinical trials before being applied to medical practice. Do not use this information to replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.