Metabolite contents identification and in vitro antioxidant activity of N-hexane fraction and ethanolic extract from parsley ( Petroselinum crispum ) cultivated in South Korea

This study evaluated the metabolite composition and antioxidant activity of Petroselinum crispum cultivated in South Korea. Ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by solvent partitioning yielded n-hexane and ethanolic fractions, which were assessed using DPPH assay and LC-MS/MS profiling. The n-hexane fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀: 1701.86 µg/mL), although lower than that of ascorbic acid. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed multiple flavonoids, with kaempferol being among the most abundant in the n-hexane fraction, while rutin was more prominent in the ethanolic fraction. The enrichment of lipophilic flavonoids in the n-hexane fraction corresponds with its stronger radical scavenging activity, suggesting that compound distribution plays a critical role in antioxidant performance. The detection of regionally uncommon metabolites further indicates that environmental conditions may influence parsley's phytochemical profile. These findings highlight the combined impact of extraction method, metabolite distribution, and local cultivation on bioactive properties.