568 /PARSLEY PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES
er). alpha- and beta-pinene, alpha- and beta-phellandrene,
hybrid strains also exist
Furocoumarins: including among others, bergapten, oxy-
peucedanin, isopimpinellin, psoralen, xanthotoxin,
imperatorin
Flavonoids (1.9-5.6%): chief components apiin
Vitamins: in particular ascorbic acid (up to 165 mg per 100
gm)
COMPOUNDS: PARSLEY ROOT
Volatile oil (0.05-0.12%): chief components of Petroselinum
crispum ssp. crispum apiole, myristicin, terpinolene, tubero-
sum apiole, beta-pinene, additionally including among oth-
ers, alpha- and beta-pinene, (+)-limonene, beta-
bisabolene
Phthalides: including among others, ligustilide, senky-
unolide
Furocoumarins: including among others, bergaptene, oxy-
peucedanin, isopimpinellin, psoralen, xanmotoxin and
imperatorin
Flavonoids (0.2-1.3%): chief components apiin
Polyynes: including among others, falcarinol, falcarindiol
EFFECTS: PARSLEY HERB AND ROOT
Although its mode of action has not been clearly explained,
its use for urinary tract complaints seems plausible.
COMPOUNDS: PARSLEY FRUIT
Volatile oil (2-6%): chief components, according to breed
Apiole (58-80J& ^ _
Myristicin (49-77%)
1 -allyl-2,3,4,5-tetramethoxybenzole (50-60%)
Alpha- and beta-pinene, beta-phellandrene: among others
Furocoumarins: including among others bergapten, oxy-
peucedanin, isopimpinellin, psoralen, xanthotoxin arid
imperatorin
Fatty oil: chief fatty acid petroselic acid (60-80%)
EFFECTS: PARSLEY FRUIT
In animal experiments, a diuretic effect is said to have been
demonstrated with low doses as well as a moderate increase
in uterine tone. Higher doses increase contractility of the
smooth muscle of the intestine, bladder and especially the
uterus and therefore may be abortifacient; this explains its
use for menstruation complaints.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
PARSLEY HERB AND ROOT
Approved by Commission E:
- Infections of the urinary tract
- Kidney and bladder stones
Unproven Uses: The herb is used for flushing the efferent
urinary tract and for the prevention and treatment of kidney
gravel. In folk medicine, it is used for gastrointestinal
disorders, jaundice, kidney and bladder inflammation, as a
diuretic and as an emmenagogue.
Homeopathic Uses: Inflammation of the urinary tract and
irritable bladder.
PARSLEY FRUIT
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, the fruit has been used for
menstrual disturbances, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract,
the, kidneys and lower urinary tract, and as a digestive.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
PARSLEY HERB, ROOT AND FRUIT
The herb is contraindicated in patients allergic to parsley or
apiole, those with kidney inflammations and in pregnant
women. Irrigation therapy should not be carried out in the
presence of edema resulting from reduced cardiac and
kidney function.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
PARSLEY HERB AND ROOT
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The drug leads rarely to contact
allergies; photodermatosis is also conceivable following
intensive skin contact between freshly harvested plant parts
and light-skinned individuals.
Pregnancy: Therapeutic doses are contraindicated in
pregnancy.
PARSLEY FRUIT
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The drug leads rarely to contact
allergies; photodermatoses occur somewhat more frequently
following skin contact.
Pregnancy: Parsley fruit preparations are contraindicated in
pregnancy; an abortive effect has been observed.
OVERDOSAGE
PARSLEY HERB, ROOT AND FRUIT
The administration of higher dosages of the volatile oil or of
preparations with high concentrations of the volatile oil can
lead to poisonings. Symptoms include elevated contractility
of the smooth musculature, in particular of the urinary
bladder, of the intestines and of the uterus. Other symptoms