Phytochemical Profiling and Organ-Specific Metabolite Distribution in Sudanese Petroselinum crispum (Parsley): Implications for Gastroprotective and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Petroselinum crispum (parsley), an essential member of the Apiaceae family, is a globally distributed biennial herb esteemed for its culinary versatility and multi-faceted pharmacological profile. In the Sudanese ethnobotany, it is utilized for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective properties. This investigation aimed to quantify the extractive yield and characterize the organ-specific distribution of bioactive secondary metabolites across the roots, stems, and leaves of Sudanese P. crispum. Botanical samples were partitioned and subjected to a 72-hour maceration in a hydro-methanolic solvent system (70% MeOH). Crude extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure using rotary evaporation. Comprehensive qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify major metabolite classes, including alkaloids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Gravimetric analysis revealed a superior extractive yield in the roots (45.26%), followed by the stems (13.62%) and leaves (10.00%). The phytochemical matrix showed high complexity, with the leaves and roots exhibiting the greatest metabolite diversity. Screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds (highly concentrated in leaves), alkaloids (exclusive from roots and stems), tannins, phlobatannins, saponins, phytosterols, terpenoids, quinones, coumarins, and resins. Notably, anthraquinones were consistently absent across all anatomical parts. The high extractive yield and robust phytochemical profile, particularly within the root system, emphasize Sudanese P. crispum 's potential as a high-value raw material for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Future research should prioritize HPLC-DAD and GC-MS profiling to achieve absolute quantification of marker compounds such as apigenin and myristicin. Furthermore, in vivo clinical evaluations are warranted to standardize Sudanese P. crispum extracts for evidence-based therapeutic applications.