Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceGeneral health

Parsley Leaf

A culinary herb with a long history as a diuretic. The renal and diuretic claims come from rodent studies and traditional practice; no controlled human trial supports them.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Diuretic and kidney stone use Limited evidence

    Reviews of parsley's pharmacology and of botanical medicines for the urinary tract describe diuretic and antilithiatic activity demonstrated in rats, attributed to apiol and myristicin altering sodium and potassium handling. There is no human trial measuring urine output or stone recurrence with parsley.

  • Antioxidant and renoprotective effects in animals Limited evidence

    A review of parsley for renal health collects animal studies showing protection against experimentally induced kidney injury. These are preclinical models at doses far above culinary intake, and none has been tested in people.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo studied human dose. Capsules typically supply 400–500 mg of dried leaf one to three times daily; as a tea, 2 g of dried leaf per cup is the traditional preparation.
SafetySafe as a food. Concentrated leaf and especially parsley seed oil are a different matter: apiol and myristicin are uterine stimulants, so medicinal doses must be avoided in pregnancy. Parsley is high in vitamin K, which matters for anyone on warfarin, and contains furocoumarins that can cause photosensitivity. Avoid medicinal doses in kidney disease.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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