Preliminary Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory and Anti-hepatotoxic Activities of 'Parsley' Petroselinum crispum in Rats

Objective: To study the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract of Parsley 'Petroselinum crispum' leaves. Materials and methods: An ethanolic extract of Parsley was subjected for evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities against inflammation induced by carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma and hepatic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride, respectively in rats. Apart from enzymes, non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH) groups were also estimated in liver. Histopathological test on liver was carried out and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time in mice was also measured in different groups. Results: The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, sterols and or triterpenes. The extract exhibited significant protection against carrageenan-induced inflammation, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and CCl₄-induced hepatic damage. Conclusion: Petroselinum crispum exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatotoxic activities which merits further detailed investigations.