Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Activity and Safety of <i>Petroselinum crispum</i> (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae Leaves Grown in Benin

Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) AW Hill Apiaceae (Parsley) is a plant species commonly used for its culinary value, but little is known about its phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to deepen knowledge of the Petroselinum crispum leaves (LPc) grown and consumed in Benin. The phytochemical screening of the LPc powder was done according to the method of Houghton and Raman at the Laboratory of Pharmacognosy and Essential Oils of the Institute of Applied Biomedical Sciences in Benin. The antioxidant activity (IC50) was evaluated by the DPPH reduction test. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of chemical groups such as catechin tannins, gallic tannins, flavones, saponins, mucilages, coumarins, reducing agents and O-heterosides with reduced genins in the LPc powder. The aqueous extract of LPc showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 = 63.66 μg/mL and was found to be less active than ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.111 μg/mL). No acute oral toxicity was observed and the LD50 of the aqueous extract of LPc is estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg in the Wistar rat. The absence of toxicity, its antioxidant activity associated with its richness in active ingredients makes Petroselinum crispum a promising species suitable for safe long-term use as food.