Apiole

Apiole (also known as parsley apiol or green parsley camphor) is an oily, colorless to yellowish liquid found in parsley (particularly curly leaf parsley), celery leaves and other plants of the Apiaceae family. It is a phenylpropene, chemically related to myristicin and dillapiole.

Apiole has been historically used in herbal medicine as an emmenagogue (to stimulate menstrual flow) and as an abortifacient. Its use for these purposes is generally discouraged due to its potential toxicity and the difficulty in controlling dosage. High doses of apiole can cause serious health problems, including liver and kidney damage, and can be fatal.

While present in parsley, the concentration is generally low enough that consuming parsley as a food is not considered a significant health risk. However, concentrated apiole extracts or essential oils should be handled with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

The compound can be synthesized in a laboratory setting. It is also used in some fragrance compositions.