# Petroselinic Acid **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/petroselinic-acid **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-20 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** (Z)-6-octadecenoic acid, 6-octadecenoic acid, PA, Δ6-18:1, Petroselenic acid, Parsley seed acid, Coriander seed fatty acid ## Overview Petroselinic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid (18:1, n-12) found abundantly in parsley seed oil, coriander oil, and carrot seed oil, where it comprises up to 70-80% of total fatty acid content. It exerts [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects primarily through modulation of eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways and inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators. ## Health Benefits • Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties (preliminary evidence) • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capabilities (preliminary evidence) • Role in microbial fatty acid degradation (preliminary evidence) • Possible applications in cosmetic formulations due to solubility in organic solvents (preliminary evidence) • Contribution to polyhydroxyalkanoates production during beta-oxidation (preliminary evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Petroselinic acid modulates arachidonic acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by competitively inhibiting delta-6-desaturase, an enzyme critical for converting linoleic acid into pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids such as [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and leukotrienes. It also appears to upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, reducing [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) burden at the cellular level. Additionally, petroselinic acid undergoes beta-oxidation via acyl-CoA intermediates, and research in microbial systems suggests it interacts with specific acyl-CoA dehydrogenases involved in fatty acid catabolism. ## Clinical Summary Human clinical trials specifically investigating isolated petroselinic acid are currently absent from the peer-reviewed literature, with most evidence derived from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent models. Animal studies using petroselinic acid-rich coriander seed oil have demonstrated reductions in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers such as TNF-alpha and IL-6, though exact dosages and sample sizes vary widely across studies. In vitro cosmetic research has shown petroselinic acid concentrations of 1-5% can inhibit 5-alpha reductase activity and support skin lipid barrier integrity, suggesting dermatological utility. Overall, the evidence base remains preliminary and largely preclinical, requiring well-designed randomized controlled trials in humans to substantiate therapeutic claims. ## Nutritional Profile Petroselinic acid (C18:1, n-12) is a monounsaturated omega-12 fatty acid (MUFA) with molecular formula C18H34O2 (molecular weight 282.46 g/mol). As a pure fatty acid compound rather than a whole food, its nutritional profile centers on its lipid composition: it consists of approximately 100% fatty acid content by mass when in isolated form, providing roughly 9 kcal/g as a lipid. It is the primary fatty acid found in seed oils of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family — notably parsley (Petroselinum crispum) seed oil contains approximately 70-76% petroselinic acid, coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed oil contains approximately 60-80% petroselinic acid, and carrot seed oil contains approximately 30-40%. As a structural isomer of oleic acid (differing in double bond position: Δ6 vs Δ9), it carries no protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, or minerals in isolated form. Bioactive properties stem from its unique double bond position at C6-C7, which influences membrane fluidity and enzymatic interactions differently than common omega-9 fatty acids. Bioavailability when consumed via whole plant sources is moderate, subject to standard lipid [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) via pancreatic lipases; absorption follows chylomicron-mediated pathways typical of long-chain fatty acids. No established dietary reference intake exists. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges or forms have been reported due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Petroselinic acid consumed through dietary sources such as parsley and coriander is considered generally safe, with no documented toxicity at food-level exposures in healthy adults. No formal maximum tolerated dose has been established for supplemental petroselinic acid, and there are no well-characterized drug interaction profiles in the published literature. Due to its inhibitory effect on delta-6-desaturase, theoretically high supplemental doses could alter the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of essential fatty acids, potentially affecting the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 derived eicosanoids; individuals on anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should exercise caution. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid concentrated supplemental forms until safety data are available, though dietary consumption via whole foods is not considered a concern. ## Scientific Research No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on petroselinic acid. The research dossier lacks PMIDs or detailed study designs. ## Historical & Cultural Context There are no documented traditional or historical medicinal uses of petroselinic acid in the research sources provided. ## Synergistic Combinations Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Curcumin, Flaxseed oil ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods are highest in petroselinic acid? Petroselinic acid is most concentrated in the seed oils of plants in the Apiaceae family. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seed oil contains approximately 70-80% petroselinic acid by total fatty acid composition, while parsley (Petroselinum crispum) seed oil and carrot (Daucus carota) seed oil are also significant sources. These oils are not commonly consumed in large quantities as dietary supplements but are used in cosmetic formulations. ### How is petroselinic acid different from oleic acid? Both petroselinic acid and oleic acid are C18 monounsaturated fatty acids, but they differ in the position of their single double bond. Oleic acid has its double bond at the delta-9 position (18:1, n-9), while petroselinic acid has its double bond at the delta-6 position (18:1, n-12). This structural difference alters their metabolic fate, with petroselinic acid inhibiting delta-6-desaturase rather than serving as a substrate, leading to distinct physiological and anti-inflammatory effects compared to oleic acid. ### Can petroselinic acid help with skin inflammation? Preliminary in vitro and animal data suggest petroselinic acid may reduce skin inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, and by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme implicated in sebum overproduction and acne. Cosmetic formulations containing coriander or parsley seed oil at concentrations of 1-5% have been studied for their skin-soothing and barrier-supporting properties. However, no large-scale human clinical trials have confirmed these effects specifically for petroselinic acid in isolation. ### Is petroselinic acid the same as omega-9 fatty acid? Petroselinic acid is classified as an omega-9 fatty acid based on its methyl-end numbering (the double bond is 9 carbons from the methyl end), making it an omega-9 isomer. However, it is distinct from the more common omega-9 fatty acid oleic acid because its double bond is located at the delta-6 carbon position from the carboxyl end rather than delta-9. This positional isomerism gives petroselinic acid a unique biochemical profile, particularly its ability to inhibit delta-6-desaturase activity. ### Does petroselinic acid have antioxidant properties? Laboratory studies indicate that petroselinic acid can upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, helping to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular level. Some in vitro models have demonstrated reduced lipid peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) in the presence of petroselinic acid-rich extracts. The evidence is currently limited to preclinical models, and no standardized human supplementation dosage for antioxidant effects has been established. ### Is petroselinic acid safe to take as a dietary supplement? Petroselinic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in foods and has a preliminary safety profile based on its presence in the diet, though formal safety studies in supplement form are limited. As with any supplement, individuals with allergies to plant sources containing petroselinic acid should avoid it, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting supplementation. The lack of established adverse effects in food sources suggests potential safety, but long-term supplemental use data remains preliminary. ### What does current research show about petroselinic acid's effectiveness? Current clinical evidence for petroselinic acid is preliminary, with most supporting data coming from in vitro and animal studies rather than human trials. Research suggests potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but these findings have not yet been confirmed in large-scale human clinical trials. More rigorous research is needed to establish definitive health benefits and effective dosing in humans. ### Does petroselinic acid interact with medications or other supplements? There is limited research on specific drug or supplement interactions involving petroselinic acid, as formal interaction studies have not been extensively conducted. Since it is a fatty acid metabolized through standard lipid pathways, interactions with lipid-lowering medications should theoretically be considered, though specific evidence is lacking. Anyone taking prescription medications, particularly those affecting fat metabolism or absorption, should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with petroselinic acid. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*