Therapeutic relevance of Petroselinum crispum: Phytochemical insights, pharmacological evidence, formulation approaches and clinical perspectives

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss (parsley), a widely cultivated aromatic herb of the Apiaceae family, has been traditionally valued for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. Its long-standing ethnomedicinal use has prompted growing scientific interest in its bioactive constituents and therapeutic potential. This review aims to comprehensively summarize recent advances in the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, formulation strategies, toxicity profile and clinical significance of P. crispum , highlighting its potential for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. A systematic literature search was performed across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering all publications from database inception up to 2025. The search focused on keywords such as “ Petroselinum crispum ” “parsley” “phytochemistry” “pharmacological activity” “therapeutic potential” “formulation” “clinical study” “clinical trial” “human study”. A systematic evaluation of published literature was conducted, focusing on studies related to the phytochemistry, biological activities, formulation approaches, and safety assessments of P. crispum . Relevant data from experimental, preclinical, and formulation-based investigations were critically analyzed. P. crispum is rich in diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), essential oils (myristicin, apiol), coumarins, phenolic acids, and vitamins. These constituents confer a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. Recent formulation strategies, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles, have been developed to improve the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of parsley-derived phytochemicals. Toxicological studies suggest a favourable safety profile at therapeutic doses, although high concentrations of certain essential oil components may cause adverse effects. Overall, P. crispum emerges as a promising multifunctional medicinal plant with substantial therapeutic potential supported by its rich phytochemical profile and broad biological activities. However, further clinical investigations and mechanistic studies are necessary to establish standardized formulations, optimal dosage regimens, and long-term safety, facilitating the translation of its traditional uses into evidence-based medicine.