Parsley

Generic name: Petroselinum Crispum (Mill.) Nyman Ex A. W. Hill.
Brand names: Garden Parsley, Parsley, Rock Parsley

Usage of Parsley

Antiplatelet activity

Animal and in vitro data

The flavonoids apigenin and cosmosiin extracted from parsley, as well as from a P. crispum aqueous extract, showed antiplatelet activity in vitro and in rodents.(Chaves 2011, Farzaei 2013, Gadi 2012)

Cancer

Apigenin reportedly has protective effects against a wide variety of cancers. Apigenin is a parsley compound known to possess pro-oxidant effects.(Oyenihi 2022) According to recent literature, apigenin is able to reduce cancer cell glucose uptake, inhibit remodeling of the extracellular matrix, inhibit cell adhesion molecules that participate in cancer progression, and hinder the development of blood vessels needed by growing tumors.(Kowalczyk 2017) Several studies have demonstrated that the anticarcinogenic properties of apigenin occur through regulation of cellular response to oxidative stress and DNA damage, suppression of inflammation and angiogenesis, retardation of cell proliferation, and induction of autophagy and apoptosis. One of the most well-recognized mechanisms of apigenin is the capability to promote cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis through the p53-related pathway.(Sung 2016)

Animal data

Cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity have been demonstrated in vitro using human cancer cell lines, possibly due to antioxidant activity.(Dorman 2011, Farshori 2013, Farshori 2014, Tang 2015, Yoshikawa 2000)

COVID-19

Clinical data

In a study aiming to establish an evidence-based dietary protocol for hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infectious disease caused by COVID-19, meals containing various medicinal herbs and foods were evaluated in a clinical trial. Parsley was included as part of the proposed diet because it was believed to dilute lung secretions and reduce cough.(Moslemifard 2020)

Diabetes

Animal data

Parsley extract has been shown to reverse hyperglycemia and protein glycation associated with diabetes in several organ systems. Parsley extract orally administered to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes lowered circulating glucose after 28 days.(Bower 2016) The mechanism for the antidiabetic action of parsley extract may be inhibition of glucose absorption by inhibition of alpha-glucosidase.(Bower 2016)

Diuretic/Laxative effects

Apiol and myristicin may be responsible for the mild diuretic effect of parsley seed and oil.(Farzaei 2013) Research suggests that the diuretic effect of parsley is mediated through an inhibition of the Na+-K+ pump.(Kreydiyyeh 2002) The laxative effect of parsley seed extract is also attributed to the inhibition of sodium and the Na+-K+ pump.(Kreydiyyeh 2001)

Animal and in situ data

Rats given an aqueous parsley seed extract in place of drinking water eliminated a higher volume of urine compared with the relative controls. An in situ kidney perfusion technique also supports this finding.(Kreydiyyeh 2002)

Clinical data

A small clinical study in healthy volunteers (N=20) to evaluate the effects of parsley tea on urinary composition and urinary stone risk factors showed no effect on urinary indices measurements, including urine volume, pH, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, magnesium, uric acid, cystine, or citric acid content.(Alyami 2011)

Melasma

Compounds with antioxidant properties (eg, parsley) have been used in combination with other antioxidants to treat melasma, a chronic condition of skin hyperpigmentation. Although there is conflicting evidence regarding their therapeutic efficacy, these naturally occurring substances potentially offer promising alternative therapeutic options.(Babbush 2021)

Clinical data

In a small, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial of patients with epidermal melasma (N=27), effects of topical P. crispum on reduction of epidermal melasma were compared with hydroquinone cream. In the case group, participants were given 20 g of parsley powdered and packed. To avoid spoiling the brew, the participants were advised to brew 2.5 g of the powdered parsley in a cup [125 mL] of hot water, then filter the brew and keep it in a sealed glass container for 6 days every week. The brewed parsley was then applied to participant facial dark spots with a piece of cotton. The control group applied a thin layer of hydroquinone 4% cream to their facial dark spots every night at bedtime and washed it in the morning. Mean severity of melasma after intervention was not significantly different between the 2 treatment groups. However, the study was small, with limited robust results.(Khosravan 2017)

Renal disease

Animal data

Parsley and its extracts have been used as a potential complementary or alternative treatment for various renal diseases. P. crispum has been used as an antiurolithiasis agent. A parsley ethanolic extract prevented the nucleation and precipitation of calcium oxalate, urine supersaturation, and urinary protein excretion in a rat model of calcium stone formation. Parsley was also effective in regulating urinary pH at a value at which calcium oxalate crystals could be maintained as dispersed particles and the elimination of these crystals could be facilitated.(Nirumand 2018)

Other uses

A review of in vitro studies on parsley and parsley extracts reports various effects, including antimicrobial(Farzaei 2013, Petrolini 2013, Wahba 2010) and immunosuppressive activity,(Farzaei 2013, Karimi 2012) as well as spasmolytic effects.(Farzaei 2013)

Parsley side effects

Adverse effects with use of parsley are uncommon. Individuals allergic to other members of the Apiaceae family (ie, carrot, fennel, Celery) may also be especially sensitive to the constituents in parsley flowers.(Blumenthal 2000, Foti 2011)

Because of the potential uterotonic effects, parsley oil, juice, and seeds should not be taken during pregnancy. Adverse effects from ingestion of the oil have included headache, giddiness, loss of balance, convulsions, and renal damage.(Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002)

The psoralen-related compounds found in parsley have been linked to photodermatitis reactions among parsley cutters. These skin reactions are usually only evident if the areas that had contact with the juice are exposed to very strong sunlight; photodermatitis can be minimized by using protective clothing and sunscreens.(Smith 1985)

Before taking Parsley

Parsley has GRAS status when used as food. Amounts greater than those used in foods should be avoided, as safety and efficacy are unproven. Emmenagogue and abortifacient effects may occur with higher doses.(Ernst 2002, FDA 2022)

How to use Parsley

Clinical data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. Parsley has GRAS status when used as food, according to the FDA.(FDA 2022)

Warnings

Parsley has FDA GRAS status; however, parsley fruit (seed) reportedly has abortifacient properties.(Khan 2010) The parsley extract chemical constituents apiol and myristicin are associated with potential toxicities. The essential (pure) oil is toxic, with various case reports of mortality cited.(Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2002)

What other drugs will affect Parsley

Sirolimus: Parsley may increase the serum concentration of sirolimus. Monitor therapy.(Jakovljevic 2002, Kurtaran 2021)

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