volatile oil

Apiol

A major natural compound in the essential oil of parsley leaf and seed. In concentrated form (for example parsley seed essential oil), it damages the nerves, liver and kidneys. It has been used, and is still misused, to cause miscarriage, and has caused deaths and organ damage in mothers at high doses. Technical detail: neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic; abortifacient.