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

Emmanuel Olorunju Awe,S Olatunbosun Banjoko

doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-75

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.

Highlights

Petroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments
While phytochemical and pharmacological experiments with P. crispum extract have been undertaken with disparity on its hepatotoxic effect, toxicity testing using biochemical and haematological data are not available. This present study evaluated the toxic effects of the extract of P.crispum on two target organs; liver and kidney, some plasma biochemical and haematological parameters
The activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased at doses of 100 and 1000 mg/kg, but no significant difference was observed at lower doses of 10 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg

Summary

Introduction

Petroselinum crispum, a bright green biennial shrub is widely used traditionally as a food additive and herbal remedies for many ailments. The use of the plant is discouraged in heart and kidney disorders due to its water retention capabilities, its anti inflammatory and probable immune boosting properties make it relevant in the traditional treatment of urinary tract infection, nephritis, cystitis and prevention of renal stones formation. It is a common home remedy for obesity and reduction of itching in insect bites [5]. Peteroselinum crispsum increases diuresis by inhibiting the Na+/K+ - ATPase pump in the kidney, thereby enhancing sodium and water excretion while increasing potassium resorption [6,7]

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