Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) intake on urinary apigenin excretion, blood antioxidant enzymes and biomarkers for oxidative stress in human subjects

Apigenin is a flavone found in vegetables, seasonings and oranges, and it possesses antioxidant activity in vitro. Potent biological effects of this flavonoid have been described in vitro and in vivo. Apigenin has been ascribed anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties. Thus, development of a biomarker for intake of apigenin is important in order to evaluate the potential health effects of this particular dietary component. There has only been one previously published attempt to determine the urinary excretion of apigenin in human subjects after ingestion of an apigenin-containing camomile (Matricaria recutita) extract. However, due to lack of specificity and sensitivity the method failed to detect any apigenin in the urine.

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