Biochemical and haematological assessment of toxic effects of the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum (Mill) Nyman ex A.W. Hill (Parsley) in rats

Abstract

BackgroundPetroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments. This study therefore aimed to assess the toxic effects of its leaf extract using some biochemical, haematological parameters.MethodsThe toxic effects were assessed by quantifying liver enzymes such as serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein and liver weight. Effects on haematological parameters were assessed by analysis of parked cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. Histopathological studies were done on the liver and kidneys.ResultsThe extract caused significant increase in serum activity of alanine amino transferase and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels at the dose of 1000 mg/kg. Other biochemical and haematological parameters were not affected at lower doses. Conversely, the liver weight was not affected after eight weeks of treatment at the dose levels studied. The organs obtained for pathological study, were structurally unchanged under histopathological evaluation at lower doses but inflammatory and necrotic features were observed at doses ≥ 1000 mg/kg.ConclusionThe results indicate that the leaf ethanol extract of Petroselinum crispum was hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic at continued oral doses equal to or more than 1000 mg/kg, but no obvious toxicity when used at lower doses. Therefore, there should be caution in its administration to avoid overdosing and known interaction with some medications. In addition, the plant should be kept away from pets and domestic animals and should not be cultivated on soil irrigated with waste water due to their ability to bio-accumulate toxic metals.

Effect of Piper Nigrum (Linn) on the Toxicity Induced by Ethionamide and Para Amino Salicylic Acid Drugs on Blood Count in Sprague-Dawley Rats

“…In their study they found that oral administration with Isoniazid drug resulted in occurrence of physiological or hypochromic anemia which monitored from the significant decrease in hemoglobin content, RBCs count (erythrocytopenia), hematocrite value, MCH, and MCHC; also, thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelets count) and leucopenia (reduction of TLC) were recorded in compare to control group. Our results are also in accordance with the reports of [21][22][23][24] who reported that chronic application of Isoniazid induces a reduction in the number of platelets, RBCs and leukocytes through the induced oxidative stress, which might affect their life expectancy, induce an apoptosis and thereby ultimately reduce the number of these cells in the blood.…”

Public Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Herbal Remedies Used During Pregnancy and Lactation in West Bank Palestine

“…For example, in a study conducted on pigs, Chaudhary et al (1986) found that photodermatitis occurred due to the presence of furocoumarins. Moreover, Awe and Banjoko (2013) reported that P. crispum ethanol leaf extract exhibited hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic activities. A study on P. crispum oil (0.6 ml/kg body weight) showed protective activity against zearalenone-induced reproductive toxicity and improved testosterone levels in mature male mice (Salah-Abbès et al, 2009).…”

Prevention of Nephropathy by Some Natural Sources of Antioxidants

“…Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), a bright green, a biennial shrub that has been employed in the pharmaceutical, perfume, and cosmetic industries [68], and widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments [69]. It is a member of the Apiaceous family [68].…”