CORIANDER: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Coriander is a plant. Both the leaves and fruit (seeds) of coriander are used as food and medicine. However, the term "coriander" is typically used to refer to the fruit. Coriander leaves are usually referred to as cilantro. In the following sections, the term "coriander" will be used to describe the fruit.

Coriander is used for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS), constipation, diarrhea, gas (flatulence), nausea, athlete's foot (Tinea pedis), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, coriander is used as a culinary spice and to prevent food poisoning.

In manufacturing, coriander is used as a flavoring agent in medicines and tobacco and as a fragrance in cosmetics and soaps.

How does it work ?

Coriander may lower blood sugar and help kill some parasites, but there currently isn't enough information to know how coriander might work for medicinal uses.

View References

REFERENCES:

Aissaoui, A., El Hilaly, J., Israili, Z. H., and Lyoussi, B. Acute diuretic effect of continuous intravenous infusion of an aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativum L. in anesthetized rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-4-2008;115(1):89-95. View abstract.

Al Said, M. S., Al Khamis, K. I., Islam, M. W., Parmar, N. S., Tariq, M., and Ageel, A. M. Post-coital antifertility activity of the seeds of Coriandrum sativum in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1987;21(2):165-173. View abstract.

Ashwood-Smith, M. J., Warrington, P. J., Jenkins, M., Ceska, O., and Romaniuk, P. J. Photobiological properties of a novel, naturally occurring furoisocoumarin, coriandrin. Photochem.Photobiol. 1989;50(6):745-751. View abstract.

Basilico, M. Z. and Basilico, J. C. Inhibitory effects of some spice essential oils on Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL 3174 growth and ochratoxin A production. Lett.Appl.Microbiol. 1999;29(4):238-241. View abstract.

Bub, S., Brinckmann, J., Cicconetti, G., and Valentine, B. Efficacy of an herbal dietary supplement (Smooth Move) in the management of constipation in nursing home residents: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Am.Med.Dir.Assoc. 2006;7(9):556-561. View abstract.

Burdock, G. A. and Carabin, I. G. Safety assessment of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil as a food ingredient. Food Chem.Toxicol 2009;47(1):22-34. View abstract.

Chaudhry, N. M. and Tariq, P. Bactericidal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, aniseed and coriander against oral isolates. Pak.J Pharm Sci 2006;19(3):214-218. View abstract.

Chithra, V. and Leelamma, S. Hypolipidemic effect of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. Plant Foods Hum.Nutr. 1997;51(2):167-172. View abstract.

Chunxiao X, Hong L. Crop candidates for the bioregenerative life support systems in China. Acta Astronautica 2008;63(7-10):1076-1080.

Clutton DW. History of gin. Flavour Ind. 1972;3:454-456.

Dhanapakiam, P., Joseph, J. M., Ramaswamy, V. K., Moorthi, M., and Kumar, A. S. The cholesterol lowering property of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. J Environ.Biol. 2008;29(1):53-56. View abstract.

Ebo, D. G., Bridts, C. H., Mertens, M. H., and Stevens, W. J. Coriander anaphylaxis in a spice grinder with undetected occupational allergy. Acta Clin Belg. 2006;61(3):152-156. View abstract.

Eidi, M., Eidi, A., Saeidi, A., Molanaei, S., Sadeghipour, A., Bahar, M., and Bahar, K. Effect of coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum L.) ethanol extract on insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Phytother.Res 2009;23(3):404-406. View abstract.

Elgayyar, M., Draughon, F. A., Golden, D. A., and Mount, J. R. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from plants against selected pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms. J Food Prot. 2001;64(7):1019-1024. View abstract.

Emamghoreishi, M., Khasaki, M., and Aazam, M. F. Coriandrum sativum: evaluation of its anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus-maze. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-15-2005;96(3):365-370. View abstract.

Gray, A. M. and Flatt, P. R. Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of the traditional anti-diabetic plant Coriandrum sativum (coriander). Br.J Nutr. 1999;81(3):203-209. View abstract.

Hashim, S., Aboobaker, V. S., Madhubala, R., Bhattacharya, R. K., and Rao, A. R. Modulatory effects of essential oils from spices on the formation of DNA adduct by aflatoxin B1 in vitro. Nutr.Cancer 1994;21(2):169-175. View abstract.

Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., and Gilani, A. H. Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. J Ethnopharmacol. 2-25-2009;122(1):123-130. View abstract.

Kamble VA, Patil SD. Spice derived essential oils: effective antifungal and possible therapeutic. J Herbs Spices Medicinal Plant 2008;14(3-4):129-143.

Kanerva, L. and Soini, M. Occupational protein contact dermatitis from coriander. Contact Dermatitis 2001;45(6):354-355. View abstract.

Knio, K. M., Usta, J., Dagher, S., Zournajian, H., and Kreydiyyeh, S. Larvicidal activity of essential oils extracted from commonly used herbs in Lebanon against the seaside mosquito, Ochlerotatus caspius. Bioresour.Technol. 2008;99(4):763-768. View abstract.

Krishnakantha, T. P. and Lokesh, B. R. Scavenging of superoxide anions by spice principles. Indian J Biochem.Biophys. 1993;30(2):133-134. View abstract.

Moneret-Vautrin, D. A., Morisset, M., Lemerdy, P., Croizier, A., and Kanny, G. Food allergy and IgE sensitization caused by spices: CICBAA data (based on 589 cases of food allergy). Allerg.Immunol.(Paris) 2002;34(4):135-140. View abstract.

NTP Carcinogenesis Studies of Food Grade Geranyl Acetate (71% Geranyl Acetate, 29% Citronellyl Acetate) (CAS No. 105-87-3) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Study). Natl.Toxicol.Program Tech.Rep Ser. 1987;252:1-162. View abstract.

Platel K, Srinivasan K. A Study of the digestive stimulant action of select spices in experimental rats. Journal of Food Science and Technology 2001;38(4):358-361.

Ramadan, M. F., Kroh, L. W., and Morsel, J. T. Radical scavenging activity of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and niger (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) crude seed oils and oil fractions. J Agric.Food Chem. 11-19-2003;51(24):6961-6969. View abstract.

Ramakrishna, Rao R., Platel, K., and Srinivasan, K. In vitro influence of spices and spice-active principles on digestive enzymes of rat pancreas and small intestine. Nahrung 2003;47(6):408-412. View abstract.

Reddy, A. C. and Lokesh, B. R. Studies on spice principles as antioxidants in the inhibition of lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes. Mol.Cell Biochem. 1992;111(1-2):117-124. View abstract.

Reuter, J., Huyke, C., Casetti, F., Theek, C., Frank, U., Augustin, M., and Schempp, C. Anti-inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test. J Dtsch.Dermatol.Ges. 2008;6(10):847-851. View abstract.

Rovner S. Gentler distillation yields better gin. Chemical & Engineering News 2008;86(37):35.

Sastre, J., Olmo, M., Novalvos, A., Ibanez, D., and Lahoz, C. Occupational asthma due to different spices. Allergy 1996;51(2):117-120. View abstract.

Satyanarayana, S., Sushruta, K., Sarma, G. S., Srinivas, N., and Subba Raju, G. V. Antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts of spicy food additives--evaluation and comparison with ascorbic acid in in-vitro systems. J Herb.Pharmacother. 2004;4(2):1-10. View abstract.

Tantaoui-Elaraki, A. and Beraoud, L. Inhibition of growth and aflatoxin production in Aspergillus parasiticus by essential oils of selected plant materials. J Environ.Pathol.Toxicol Oncol. 1994;13(1):67-72. View abstract.

Uchibayashi, M. [The coriander story]. Yakushigaku.Zasshi 2001;36(1):56-57. View abstract.

Usta, J., Kreydiyyeh, S., Knio, K., Barnabe, P., Bou-Moughlabay, Y., and Dagher, S. Linalool decreases HepG2 viability by inhibiting mitochondrial complexes I and II, increasing reactive oxygen species and decreasing ATP and GSH levels. Chem.Biol.Interact. 6-15-2009;180(1):39-46. View abstract.

van Toorenenbergen, A. W. and Dieges, P. H. Demonstration of spice-specific IgE in patients with suspected food allergies. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1987;79(1):108-113. View abstract.

van Toorenenbergen, A. W. and Dieges, P. H. Immunoglobulin E antibodies against coriander and other spices. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1985;76(3):477-481. View abstract.

van Toorenenbergen, A. W., Huijskes-Heins, M. I., Leijnse, B., and Dieges, P. H. Immunoblot analysis of IgE-binding antigens in spices. Int.Arch.Allergy Appl.Immunol. 1988;86(1):117-120. View abstract.

Vasudevan, K., Vembar, S., Veeraraghavan, K., and Haranath, P. S. Influence of intragastric perfusion of aqueous spice extracts on acid secretion in anesthetized albino rats. Indian J.Gastroenterol. 2000;19(2):53-56. View abstract.

Beikert FC, Anastasiadou Z, Fritzen B, Frank U, Augustin M. Topical treatment of tinea pedis using 6% coriander oil in unguentum leniens: a randomized, controlled, comparative pilot study. Dermatology. 2013;226(1):47-51. View abstract.

Cadwallader KR, Surakarnkul R, Yang SP, Webb TE. Character-impact Aroma Components of Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L.) Herb. In: Flavor Chemistry of Ethnic Foods. New York, NY: Springer US; 1999.pp 77-84.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182

Garcia-Gonzalez JJ, Bartolome-Zavala B, Fernandez-Melendez S, et al. Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and food allergy because of aniseed sensitization. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:518-22. . View abstract.

Kubo I, Fujita K, Kubo A, et al. Antibacterial activity of coriander volatile compounds against Salmonella choleraesuis. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:3329-32. View abstract.

Mauer L, El-Sohemy A. Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups. Flavour. 2012;1:8.

Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetologia 1990;33:462-4. View abstract.

Vejdani R, Shalmani HR, Mir-Fattahi M, et al. The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Dig Dis Sci. 2006 Aug;51:1501-7. View abstract.

Zabihi E, Abdollahi M. Endocrinotoxicity induced by Coriandrum sativa: a case report. WHO Drug Information. 2001;16:15.

Chronic Conditions Common in Minorities

Think You Have a Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Navigating Life With Migraine

Alternative Treatments for Migraines

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS CENTER

DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS CENTER

FIRST AID RESOURCES

RELATED TO VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

CORIANDER

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Dosing

You Might Also Like

WebMD Special Sections

Health Solutions

More from WebMD