Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Mechanism

Parsley herb and especially the fruits contain essential oil with Apiol and Myristicin as well as vitamins (incl. vitamin C) and minerals. Apiol/Myristicin are associated in higher doses with a uterus-stimulating (labour-inducing) action and traditionally described as abortive — the use of larger amounts or of the essential oil is therefore contraindicated during pregnancy. As a small amount of fresh herb, parsley is regarded as uncritical; robust equine studies are lacking.

Cautions

· PREGNANCY: avoid larger amounts and the essential oil — Apiol/Myristicin traditionally act labour-inducing/abortive
· Photosensitisation from furanocoumarins possible — observe under sun exposure
· Essential oil/parsley fruits are dosed considerably higher than the herb — do not confuse them

Sources

PMID:33802861Maternal Reproductive Toxicity of Essential Oils and Constituents 2021 — Apiol/Myristicin, reproduktive Toxizität

Kommission E Petroselini herba/fructusPetersilie — Anwendung und Gegenanzeige Trächtigkeit/Schwangerschaft

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosagesmall amounts of fresh herb as an addition; avoid essential oil/concentrates

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.