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

2026-06-09T12:15:42+00:00

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.

From Agricultural Waste to Health-promoting Salts: Peanut Shells and Corn Cobs as Alternatives to Table Salt

2026-06-11T08:02:38+00:00

Background: Excessive consumption of sodium chloride is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while large amounts of agricultural residues such as peanut shells and corn cobs remain underutilized and contribute to environmental pollution. Valorizing these biomasses into mineral-rich plant-based salts may provide a sustainable and healthier alternative to conventional table salt.

Aims : This study proposes an innovative approach for producing plant-based mineral salts from peanut shells and corn cobs, aiming to partially replace sodium chloride (NaCl) while addressing environmental and health concerns associated with agricultural residues.

Study design.

The study focused on the transformation of agricultural residues into mineral salts and the physicochemical characterization of the obtained products.

Place and Duration of Study: The biomasses were processed under laboratory conditions through drying, incineration, leaching, and evaporation procedures.

Methodology : The biomasses were oven-dried at 105 °C and incinerated at 550 °C. The resulting ashes were leached with distilled water and the filtrates were evaporated at 105 °C to obtain crystalline salts, with average extraction yields of 19.13% and 48.11% for peanut shells and corn cobs, respectively. ICP-OES analysis revealed a high potassium content in both salts : peanut shells K (468.10 mg/g), Na (5.60 mg/g), Ca (1.22 mg/g), Mg (0.07 mg/g); corn cobs K (411.20 mg/g), Na (3.63 mg/g), Ca (2.13 mg/g), Mg (0.04 mg/g).

Results : The Na/K ratio was extremely low (0.01) in both cases. Anion analysis indicated significant chloride contents (44.37 mg/L and 49.70 mg/L), while iodide was not detected. The predominance of potassium suggests a strong potential for these salts as healthier alternatives to NaCl.

Conclusion : These findings indicate that plant-based salts derived from peanut shells and corn cobs could serve as promising alternatives to conventional table salt. However, iodine fortification is required prior to consumption to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry

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

From Agricultural Waste to Health-promoting Salts: Peanut Shells and Corn Cobs as Alternatives to Table Salt