Parsley

Related Terms

Acetylapiin, allyl tetramethoxybenzene, aluminum, Apiaceae, apigenin, apigenin 7-O-(6-O-malonylglucoside), apiol, apiose, Apium petroselinum, Apium petroselinum L., Belgian parsley, bergapten, bergaptene, berlinska, beta-carotene, ?-phellandrene, beta-phellandrene, bur parsley, caffeoyl esters, calcium, carotene, carotenoid phytonutrients, Carum petroselinum, Caucatis platycarpos, Chinese parsley, chlorophyll, chrysoeriol, cilantro, Conioselinum vaginatum, coriander, Coriandrum sativum, coumarins, crispane, crispanone, cukrowa, curled parsley, curly parsley, curly-leaf parsley, Cymopterus spp., cytochrome f, diosmetin, European parsley, fatty acids, fermented parsley juice, feruloyl esters, flat-leaf parsley, flavanols, flavones, flavonols, folic acid, furanocoumarins, furocoumarins, gamma-tocopherol, glutathione, glycolipids, Hamburg parsley, hemlock parsley, hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, inositol, iodine, iron, isopimpinellin, isorhamnetin, Italian parsley, kaempferol, kinga, koral, limonene, lutein-zeaxanthin, luteolin, magnesium, menthatriene, methoxypsoralen, methylbenzene, monoterpene, myrcene, myristicin, N-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside, nicotinic acid, Ombrelliferae, oxalic acid, oxypeucedanin, p-menthatriene, parsley apiole, parsley fruits, parsley hypocotyls, parsleyapiole, parsley-haulm, p-coumaric acid derivatives, pectic substance, petersilie, Petrosilini herba, Petrosilini radix, Petroselinum crispum, Petroselinum hortense, Petroselinumlatifolium, Petroselinum neapolitanum, Petroselinum sativum, Petroselinum sativum, Petroselinum tuberosum, Petroselinum vulgare, Petroserinum sativum, petroside, phosphorous, phthalides, phylloquinone, phytoalexins, plastocyanin, polyacetylene, potassium, psoralen, quercetin, sesquiterpenes, Umbelliferae, vistula, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, xanthotoxin, xylose.
Note: The most common forms of parsley used for medicinal purposes are Petroselinum crispum (curled-leaf parsley) and Petroselinum neapolitanum (Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley). Chinese parsley, also known as coriander or cilantro, is a different species, Coriandrum sativum. This monograph focuses on the Petroselinum species.

Background

Parsley is native to the Mediterranean and has reportedly been used for more than 2,000 years as an herbal remedy, seasoning, and garnish. In ancient Rome, parsley was a sacred herb of burial and was served at funeral banquets. This is thought to be the origin of the modern use of parsley as a garnish decorating plates of food. Romans wore garlands of parsley in the belief that it would excite the brain and stimulate the appetite. Later, victors of athletic contests were crowned with garlands of parsley.
The forms of parsley most commonly used for medicinal purposes are Petroselinum crispum (curled-leaf parsley) and Petroselinum neapolitanum (Italian parsley, also known as flat-leaf parsley). Chinese parsley, also known as coriander or cilantro, is a different species, Coriandrum sativum.
Parsley has traditionally been used as a digestive aid, breath freshener, laxative, diuretic, general-purpose tonic, abortifacient (miscarriage inducer), and a poultice applied to the skin for treatment of burns, bruises, insect bites, and itching.
There is evidence that parsley may act as an antioxidant, diuretic, or blood sugar-lowering agent. Parsley is currently used in Turkey to treat diabetes and in Germany as a diuretic in the treatment of high blood pressure.
Parsley is available in capsule form as an oil, root, leaf, or seed preparation. The oil is the strongest form, followed by the seeds. These two more powerful preparations should be avoided during pregnancy, because they may cause uterine contractions and induce abortion.
Parsley is listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Antioxidants are molecules that work to prevent damage that occurs in cells and body tissues due to both normal bodily processes and exposure to some chemicals. The potential medical benefit of antioxidants may be their ability to prevent or slow the oxidation of molecules, such as proteins and DNA, in the body. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in many human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. A small clinical trial noted that parsley reduced oxidative stress.

 C


Antioxidants are molecules that work to prevent damage that occurs in cells and body tissues due to both normal bodily processes and exposure to some chemicals. The potential medical benefit of antioxidants may be their ability to prevent or slow the oxidation of molecules, such as proteins and DNA, in the body. Oxidative stress is thought to play a role in many human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. A small clinical trial noted that parsley reduced oxidative stress.

 C


Based on early research using a combination product containing parsley leaf, it is unclear whether parsley is effective for lowering blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure or whether it may increase the risk of side effects.

 C


Based on early research using a combination product containing parsley leaf, it is unclear whether parsley is effective for lowering blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure or whether it may increase the risk of side effects.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Parsley has traditionally been taken by mouth in the form of parsley seed tea, capsules containing parsley leaf or root, and parsley oil.
Parsley oil is much more potent than other preparations and should be ingested only under medical supervision.
Parsley has been applied to the skin in the form of poultice to relieve itching and discomfort from insect bites and to promote healing of burns and bruises.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Note: For some of the following agents, the parsley species was not specified. However, Petroselinum crispum is the most common species used for medicinal purposes.
Parsley may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Parsley may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Parsley may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood pressure.
Parsley may also interact with analgesics, antibiotics, anticholinesterase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer agents, antispasmodic agents, antiulcer agents, cytochrome P450-metabolized agents, diuretics, estrogen, gastrointestinal agents, immune suppressants, laxatives, osteoporosis drugs, sleep aid medications, or uterine stimulants.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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