Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Research

Latin Name:  Coriandrum sativum

Family: Apiaceae

The leaves and seeds of C. sativum are both used frequently in cooking.  The leaves are commonly called cilantro, and the seeds are commonly called coriander.  Both have been used as a remedy for a variety of digestive complaints.  Studies have shown it may also help with headaches, skin conditions, sleep, anxiety, mood, inflammation, and cognition; more research is needed.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• In a review of research, C. sativum possessed anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, anticonvulsive, memory enhancing, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastrointestinal, deodorizing, skin enhancing, diuretic, reproductive, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying effects. From: Al-Snafi, A. E. (2016). A review on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Coriandrum sativum. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy, 6(7), 17-42.
• This review discussed the many uses for coriander: for bed cold, seasonal fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach disorders, indigestion, against worms, rheumatism and pain in the joints, as a diuretic, expectorant, laxative, anti-bacterial, anti-pyretic, and hypoglycemic herb. From:  Rajeshwari, U., & Andallu, B. (2011). Medicinal benefits of coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L). Spatula DD, 1(1), 51-58.
• In this review of research, C. sativum showed antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities. From: Saxena, S. N., & Agarwal, D. (2019). Pharmacognosy and phytochemistry of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). International J. Seed Spices, 9(1), 1-13.
• Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica.  Essential oil monographs.  American College of Healthcare Sciences.
• Rajeshwari, U., & Andallu, B. (2011). Medicinal benefits of coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L)-. Spatula DD-Tamamlayıcı Tıp ve İlaç Geliştirme Alanında Hakemli Dergi, 1(1), 51-58.

• Maroufi, K., Farahani, H. A., & Darvishi, H. H. (2010). Importance of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) between the medicinal and aromatic plants. Advances in environmental biology, 4(3), 433-436.
• Singh, D., Tanwar, A., & Agrawal, P. (2015). An overview on coriander. Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research, 4(2).
• Sahib, N. G., Anwar, F., Gilani, A. H., Hamid, A. A., Saari, N., & Alkharfy, K. M. (2013). Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential source of high‐value components for functional foods and nutraceuticals‐A review. Phytotherapy Research, 27(10), 1439-1456.
• Nadeem, M., Muhammad Anjum, F., Issa Khan, M., Tehseen, S., El-Ghorab, A., & Iqbal Sultan, J. (2013). Nutritional and medicinal aspects of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) A review. British Food Journal, 115(5), 743-755.

SAFETY / QUALITY

• Aroma deteriorates if stored too long.
• Some may be allergic or have photosensitive reaction.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERAIL / ANTIFUNGAL

• Parsley and cilantro demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial activity in vitro.  From:  Wong, P. Y., & Kitts, D. D. (2006). Studies on the dual antioxidant and antibacterial properties of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) extracts. Food chemistry, 97(3), 505-515.
• The use of plant essential oils against antibiotic resistant microbes is discussed. Key essential oils include basil, cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, clove, curry, garlic, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree. From: Yang, S. K., Low, L. Y., Yap, P. S. X., Yusoff, K., Mai, C. W., Lai, K. S., & Lim, S. H. E. (2018). Plant-Derived Antimicrobials: Insights into Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance. Records of Natural Products, 12(4).
• Inhibition of 45 oils on eight bacteria (four Gram positive and four Gram negative), two fungi, and one yeast were examined using disk assay.  Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Melaleuca alternifolia showed an inhibition against all test organisms and phage. Coriandrum sativum highly inhibited Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Cymbopogon flexuosus and Chamaemelum nobile oils highly inhibited both phage types. Angelica archangelica and Pinus sylvestris inhibited bacteria, but not any fungi. Oils with the highest antimicrobial abilities with the broadest range of inhibition were cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), savory (Satureja montana), Roman chamomile (Cbamaemelum nobile), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), spearmint (Mentha spicata) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).  From:  Chao, S. C., Young, D. G., & Oberg, C. J. (2000). Screening for inhibitory activity of essential oils on selected bacteria, fungi and viruses. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 12(5), 639-649.
• Oregano, coriander, and basil essential oil showed the greatest inhibition to the other bacteria and fungi tested. Anise oil was not particularly inhibitory to bacteria but was highly inhibitory to molds. From:  Elgayyar, M., Draughon, F. A., Golden, D. A., & Mount, J. R. (2001). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils from plants against selected pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms. Journal of Food Protection®, 64(7), 1019-1024.
• Clove, kaffir lime peels, cardamom, coriander, and cumin showed various antibacterial activities. From:  Nanasombat, S., & Lohasupthawee, P. (2005). Antibacterial activity of crude ethanolic extracts and essential oils of spices against Salmonellae and other enterobacteria. Kmitl Sci. Tech. J, 5(3), 527-538.
• Dill (Anethum graveolens), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus dives) were tested.  Cilantro was particularly effective against Listeria monocytogenes, and strength and spectrum of inhibition by mixing of the fractions resulted in additive, synergistic effects against tested microorganisms.  From:  Delaquis, P. J., Stanich, K., Girard, B., & Mazza, G. (2002). Antimicrobial activity of individual and mixed fractions of dill, cilantro, coriander and eucalyptus essential oils. International journal of food microbiology, 74(1), 101-109.
• Basil and coriander essential oils were the most effective, and complete inhibition of Aspergillus flavus fungal growth was observed at 1000 ppm by basil, coriander, caraway and rosemary.  From:  Deabes, M., El-Soud, N., & El-Kassem, L. (2011). In vitro Inhibition of growth and aflatoxin B1 production of Aspergillus flavus strain (ATCC 16872) by various medicinal plant essential oils. Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 4(4), 345-350.
• Twenty-five bacteria species and one fungal species were tested against laurel, sage, rosemary, oregano, and coriander and the oils showed a high degree of inhibition against them all, with the oregano being the strongest.  From:  Baratta, M. T., Dorman, H. D., Deans, S. G., Biondi, D. M., & Ruberto, G. (1998). Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidative activity of laurel, sage, rosemary, oregano and coriander essential oils. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 10(6), 618-627.
• Black pepper, bay, aniseed, and coriander were tested  against 176 bacterial isolates from the oral cavities of 200 individuals. Black pepper was 75% antibacterial, bay leaf was 53.4%, aniseed was 18.1%, and coriander did not show any antibacterial activity.  From:  Chaudhry, N. M., & Tariq, P. (2006). Bactericidal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, aniseed and coriander against oral isolates. Pak J Pharm Sci, 19(3), 214-218.
• Laurus nobilis (bay), salvia officinalis (sage), rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), origanum vulgare (oregano), and coriandrum sativum (coriander) demonstrated antimicrobial, antioxidant activity, with oregano being the strongest.  From:  Baratta, M. T., Dorman, H. D., Deans, S. G., Biondi, D. M., & Ruberto, G. (1998). Chemical composition, antimicrobial and antioxidative activity of laurel, sage, rosemary, oregano and coriander essential oils. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 10(6), 618-627.
• Plant oils of 52 species were tested against key bacteria.  Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms, and rosewood, coriander, palmarosa, tea tree, niaouli, peppermint, spearmint, sage and marjoram inhibited all organisms except P. aeruginosa.  Carrot, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver inhibited Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. Myrrh and cypress inhibited only Gram-positive organisms and mandarin oil inhibited only C. albicans.  From:  Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1999). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. Journal of applied microbiology, 86(6), 985-990.
• Coriandrum sativum was found to possess bactericidal activity against Salmonella choleraesuis ssp. choleraesuis.  From:  Kubo, I., Fujita, K. I., Kubo, A., Nihei, K. I., & Ogura, T. (2004). Antibacterial activity of coriander volatile compounds against Salmonella choleraesuis. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(11), 3329-3332.
• Coriander essential oil was antifungal on Candida spp. From:  Silva, F., Ferreira, S., Duarte, A., Mendonca, D. I., & Domingues, F. C. (2011). Antifungal activity of Coriandrum sativum essential oil, its mode of action against Candida species and potential synergism with amphotericin B. Phytomedicine, 19(1), 42-47.
• Significant antibacterial activity was shown by C. sativum essential oil. From:  Lo Cantore, P., Iacobellis, N. S., De Marco, A., Capasso, F., & Senatore, F. (2004). Antibacterial activity of Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Miller var. vulgare (Miller) essential oils. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(26), 7862-7866.
• C. sativum was effective against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria.  From:  Silva, F., Ferreira, S., Queiroz, J. A., & Domingues, F. C. (2011). Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: its antibacterial activity and mode of action evaluated by flow cytometry. Journal of Medical Microbiology, 60(10), 1479-1486.
• Studied was the antimicrobial and herbicidal activity of coriander.  From:  Singh, G., Maurya, S., De Lampasona, M. P., & Catalan, C. A. (2006). Studies on essential oils, Part 41. Chemical composition, antifungal, antioxidant and sprout suppressant activities of coriander (Coriandrum sativum) essential oil and its oleoresin. Flavour and fragrance journal, 21(3), 472-479.
• At high doses and undiluted, coriander, fennel, peppermint, dill, fir, juniper, rosemary, and lavender were active against E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida albicans.  From:   Şerban, E. S., Ionescu, M. I. H. A. E. L. A., Matinca, D. O. I. N. A., Maier, C. S., & Bojiţă, M. T. (2011). Screening of the antibacterial and antifungal activity of eight volatile essential oils. Farmacia, 59(3), 440-446.
• Coriander seed essential oil was active against multiple tested bacteria that cause skin infections in vitro. Further, a 0.5% and a 1.0% cream was tested on 40 volunteers, none of which had skin any skin irritation reactions. From: Casetti, F., Bartelke, S., Biehler, K., Augustin, M., Schempp, C. M., & Frank, U. (2012). Antimicrobial activity against bacteria with dermatological relevance and skin tolerance of the essential oil from Coriandrum sativum L. fruits. Phytotherapy research, 26(3), 420-424.
• C. sativum essential oil was antifungal against oral candida in vitro. From: Furletti, V. F., Teixeira, I. P., Obando-Pereda, G., Mardegan, R. C., Sartoratto, A., Figueira, G. M., … & Höfling, J. F. (2011). Action of Coriandrum sativum L. essential oil upon oral Candida albicans biofilm formation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.
• In a placebo controlled study of 40 patients with tinea pedis, a 6% coriander oil solution applied twice daily for 14 days significantly reduced the infection and was well tolerated. From: Beikert, F. C., Anastasiadou, Z., Fritzen, B., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Topical treatment of tinea pedis using 6% coriander oil in unguentum leniens: a randomized, controlled, comparative pilot study. Dermatology, 226(1), 47-51.

PRESERVATIVE

• Essential oils of cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, sage, clove, thyme, lemongrass, turmeric, mint, basil, and constituents of linalool, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thymol, terpinene, cymene, alpha/beta pinene, bornyl acetate, camphor, 1,8-cineole, alpha terpeneol, geraniol, perrilaldehyde, and eugenol have demonstrated food preserving potential.  From:  Burt, S. (2004). Essential oils: their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods—a review. International journal of food microbiology, 94(3), 223-253.

HEADACHE

• In a randomized placebo controlled study with 68 migraine patients, a coriander fruit syrup (15 mL 3 times a day for one month) decreased duration, severity and frequency of migraines. From: Kasmaei, H. D., Ghorbanifar, Z., Zayeri, F., Minaei, B., Kamali, S. H., Rezaeizadeh, H., … & Mirzaei, Z. (2016). Effects of Coriandrum sativum syrup on migraine: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 18(1).
• This was a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 88 patients with migraine headaches. The group who received combination of Viola odorata flowers, Rosa damascena flowers and Coriandrum sativum fruits in 500 mg capsules three times a day and 20 mg of propranolol twice a day, for 14 days, had significantly reduced symptoms. From: Kamali, M., Seifadini, R., Kamali, H., Mehrabani, M., Jahani, Y., & Tajadini, H. (2018). Efficacy of combination of Viola odorata, Rosa damascena and Coriandrum sativum in prevention of migraine attacks: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Electronic physician, 10(3), 6430.

DIGESTIVE AID

• In a study of 32 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a blend of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Coriandrum sativum (coriander seed) taken with either loperamide or psyllium (for eight weeks) reduced pain and bloating over the placebo.  From:  Vejdani, R., Shalmani, H. R. M., Mir-Fattahi, M., Sajed-Nia, F., Abdollahi, M., Zali, M. R., … & Amin, G. (2006). The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Digestive diseases and sciences, 51(8), 1501-1507.
• Coriander seed extracts caused hypotensive and diuretic effects in vivo. From: Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., & Gilani, A. H. (2009). Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 123-130.
• The following plant extracts were gastroprotective against H. pylori gastric infections in vitro: Achillea millefolium, Berberis aristata, Coriandrum sativum, Foeniculum vulgare, Matricaria chamomilla and Prunus domestica From: Zaidi, S. F., Muhammad, J. S., Shahryar, S., Usmanghani, K., Gilani, A. H., Jafri, W., & Sugiyama, T. (2012). Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of selected Pakistani medicinal plants in Helicobacter pylori-infected gastric epithelial cells. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 141(1), 403-410.

ANTIOXIDANT

• This study assessed the antioxidant activity of coriander and caraway.  From:  Samojlik, I., Lakić, N., Mimica-Dukić, N., Đaković-Švajcer, K., & Božin, B. (2010). Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of essential oils of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.)(Apiaceae). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(15), 8848-8853.
• All the studied extracts showed antioxidant capability, with P. anisum showing the strongest effect, and there being a positive correlation between antioxidant potency and flavonoid content. Oils tested included:   Bunium persicum (similar to cumin), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Cuminum cyminum (cumin), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Heracleum persicum (Persian hogweed), Pimpinella anisum (anise) and Trachyspermum copticum (ajowan).  From:  Nickavar, B., & Abolhasani, F. A. (2009). Screening of antioxidant properties of seven Umbelliferae fruits from Iran. Pak J Pharm Sci, 22(1), 30-35.
• Coriander and its phenolic content showed antioxidant activity.  From:  Wangensteen, H., Samuelsen, A. B., & Malterud, K. E. (2004). Antioxidant activity in extracts from coriander. Food chemistry, 88(2), 293-297.
• Leaf and stem extracts from parsley and cilantro showed antioxidant and antibacterial activities in vitro. From: Wong, P. Y., & Kitts, D. D. (2006). Studies on the dual antioxidant and antibacterial properties of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) extracts. Food chemistry, 97(3), 505-515.
• Phenolic acids from coriander extracts showed antioxidant activity in vitro. From: de Almeida Melo, E., Mancini Filho, J., & Guerra, N. B. (2005). Characterization of antioxidant compounds in aqueous coriander extract (Coriandrum sativum L.). LWT-Food Science and Technology, 38(1), 15-19.
• A coriander seed supplement was hypoglycemic and antioxidant in rodents. From: Deepa, B., & Anuradha, C. V. (2011). Antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extract.
• Coriander seed essential oil and its major components of geraniol (24%), d-linanol (16%), borneol (7%), α-pinene (9%) and β-pinene showed antioxidant activities in vitro. From: González-Marrugo, L. B., Granados-Llamas, E. A., Granados-Conde, C., Tejada-Tovar, C. N., & Ortega-Toro, R. (2018). Extraction and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Seed Essential Oil.

COGNITION / NEUROPROTECTIVE

• Coriander extracts boosted memory in rats and may be useful in treating Alzheimer’s.  From:  Jasira, M., Sailesh, K. S., & Mukkadan, J. K. (2017). Effect of Oral Administration of Coriander Extract on Memory Boosting & Regaining in Wistar Albino Rats. KYAMC Journal, 4(2), 398-401.
• Daily inhalation of coriander essential oil over 21 days improved spatial memory in rats with Alzheimer’s disease.  From:  Cioanca, O., Hritcu, L., Mihasan, M., & Hancianu, M. (2013). Cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant activities of inhaled coriander volatile oil in amyloid β (1–42) rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Physiology & behavior, 120, 193-202.
• A Coriander sativum leaf extract taken for 15 days reduced brain damage in vivo. From: Vekaria, R. H., Patel, M. N., Bhalodiya, P. N., Patel, V., Desai, T. R., & Tirgar, P. R. (2012). Evaluation of neuroprotective effect of coriandrum sativum linn. against ischemicreperfusion insult in brain. Internatational J Phytopharmacology, 3(2), 186-93.
• Coriander seed extracts protected and improved damaged brain cells in rats.  From:  Enas, A. K. (2010). Study of the possible protective and therapeutic influence of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) against neurodegenerative disorders and Alzheimer’s disease induced by aluminum chloride in cerebral cortex of male Albino rats. Nat Sci, 8(11), 202-213.
• Water soluble extracts of C. sativum showed neuroprotective activities in vitro. From: Ghorbani, A., Rakhshandeh, H., Asadpour, E., & Sadeghnia, H. R. (2011). Effects of Coriandrum sativum extracts on glucose/serum deprivation-induced neuronal cell death. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 2(1), 4-9.

ORAL HEALTH

• Black pepper, bay, aniseed, and coriander were tested  against 176 bacterial isolates from the oral cavities of 200 individuals. Black pepper was 75% antibacterial, bay leaf was 53.4%, aniseed was 18.1%, and coriander did not show any antibacterial activity.  From:  Chaudhry, N. M., & Tariq, P. (2006). Bactericidal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, aniseed and coriander against oral isolates. Pak J Pharm Sci, 19(3), 214-218.
• Oral antibacterial effectiveness of essential oils is reviewed.  Oils include: Achillea ligustica (yarrow), Baccharis dracunculifolia, Croton cajucara (sacaca), Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese red cedar), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Eugenia caryophyllata (clove), Lippia sidoides, Ocimum americanum (basil), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). Constituents worth mentioning include menthol and eugenol.  From:  Freires, I. A., Denny, C., Benso, B., de Alencar, S. M., & Rosalen, P. L. (2015). Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their isolated constituents against cariogenic bacteria: a systematic review. Molecules, 20(4), 7329-7358.
• C. sativum essential oil was antifungal against oral candida in vitro. From: Furletti, V. F., Teixeira, I. P., Obando-Pereda, G., Mardegan, R. C., Sartoratto, A., Figueira, G. M., … & Höfling, J. F. (2011). Action of Coriandrum sativum L. essential oil upon oral Candida albicans biofilm formation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

• The antioxidative effect of coriander seeds against free radicals in the rat liver was demonstrated.  From:  Anilakumar, K. R., Nagaraj, N. S., & Santhanam, K. (2001). Effect of coriander seeds on hexachlorocyclohexane induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Nutrition Research, 21(11), 1455-1462.
• Cilantro leaf extracts were hepatoprotective in vivo. From: Sreelatha, S., Padma, P. R., & Umadevi, M. (2009). Protective effects of Coriandrum sativum extracts on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 47(4), 702-708.

CARDIAC HEALTH

• Coriander seed extracts caused hypotensive and diuretic effects in vivo. From: Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., & Gilani, A. H. (2009). Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 123-130.

CHOLESTEROL LOWERING

• The study discussed the hypolipidemic action of coriander seeds.  From:  Chithra, V., & Leelamma, S. (1997). Hypolipidemic effect of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 51(2), 167-172.
• Coriander seed ingestion of rats had a cholesterol lowering effect.  From:  Dhanapakiam, P., Joseph, J. M., Ramaswamy, V. K., Moorthi, M., & Kumar, A. S. (2007). The cholesterol lowering property of coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. Journal of Environmental Biology, 29(1), 53.
• Extracts of C. sativum reduced cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic rabbits. From: Joshi, S. C., Sharma, N., & Sharma, P. (2012). Antioxidant and lipid lowering effects of Coriandrum sativum in cholesterol fed rabbits. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(3), 231-234.
• A compilation of research showed the following herbs to have a hypolipidemic effect:  yarrow, onion, garlic, dill, celery, burdock, oats, barberry, cabbage, chili pepper, safflower, chicory, chickpea, bitter orange, orange, guggul, coriander, cranberry, melon, pumpkin, artichoke, ginseng, eugenol, schelelecht, ginkgo, soy, walnut, apple, nutmeg, red yeast rice, miswak, evening primrose, basil, bulacy, orchis, avocado, plantain, blond plotitago, green bean, purslane, black cherry, pomegranate, milk thistle, brinjal, tomato, tamarind, thea, thyme, fenugreek, bilberry, grape, ginger, and corn.  From:  Rouhi-Boroujeni, H., Rouhi-Boroujeni, H., Khoddami, M., Khazraei, H. R., Dehkordil, E. B., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. (2017). Hypolipidemic herbals with diuretic effects: A systematic review. In Biol. Sci (Vol. 8, pp. 21-28).

​​ANTI-DIABETIC

• Ten patients with type 2 diabetes who took extracts of coriander for 14 days showed reduced blood sugar levels. From: Waheed, A. K. B. A. R., Miana, G. A., Ahmad, S. I., & Khan, M. A. (2006). Clinical investigation of hypoglycemic effect of Coriandrum sativum in type-2 (NIDDM) diabetic patients. Pakistan Journal of Pharmacology, 23(1), 7-11.The study showed antihyperglycaemic, insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity in Coriandrum sativum.  From:  Gray, A. M., & Flatt, P. R. (1999). Insulin-releasing and insulin-like activity of the traditional anti-diabetic plant Coriandrum sativum (coriander). British Journal of Nutrition, 81(03), 203-209.
• Coriander extract reduced glocuse levels and increased insulin release in rats.  From: Eidi, M., Eidi, A., Saeidi, A., Molanaei, S., Sadeghipour, A., Bahar, M., & Bahar, K. (2009). Effect of coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum L.) ethanol extract on insulin release from pancreatic beta cells in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Phytotherapy Research, 23(3), 404-406.
• A coriander seed supplement was hypoglycemic and antioxidant in rodents. From: Deepa, B., & Anuradha, C. V. (2011). Antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extract.
• Aqueous extracts of C. sativum were anti-diabetic in vivo. From: Brindis, F., González-Andrade, M., González-Trujano, M. E., Estrada-Soto, S., & Villalobos-Molina, R. (2014). Postprandial glycaemia and inhibition of α-glucosidase activity by aqueous extract from Coriandrum sativum. Natural product research, 28(22), 2021-2025.

ANXIOLITIC / ANTIDEPRESSIVE

• Based on in vivo studies, inhaling coriander oil could counteract anxiety, depression and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease conditions.  From:  Cioanca, O., Hritcu, L., Mihasan, M., Trifan, A., & Hancianu, M. (2014). Inhalation of coriander volatile oil increased anxiolytic–antidepressant-like behaviors and decreased oxidative status in beta-amyloid (1–42) rat model of Alzheimer’s disease. Physiology & behavior, 131, 68-74.
• In mice, Coriandrum sativum seed had an anxiolytic effect and may have sedative and muscle relaxant possibility.  From:  Emamghoreishi, M., Khasaki, M., & Aazam, M. F. (2005). Coriandrum sativum: evaluation of its anxiolytic effect in the elevated plus-maze. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 96(3), 365-370.

IMPROVED SLEEP

• Coriander extracts prolonged sleep in mice.  From:  Rakhshandeh, H., Sadeghnia, H. R., & Ghorbani, A. (2012). Sleep-prolonging effect of Coriandrum sativum hydro-alcoholic extract in mice. Natural product research, 26(22), 2095-2098.

ANTI-PARASITIC

• Against the red mite, the following oils were acaricidal:  bay, cade, cinnamon, clove bud, coriander, horseradish, lime, mustard, pennyroyal, pimento berry, spearmint, thyme red and thyme white oils.  From:  Kim, S. I., Yi, J. H., Tak, J. H., & Ahn, Y. J. (2004). Acaricidal activity of plant essential oils against Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae). Veterinary parasitology, 120(4), 297-304.

INSECTICIDAL / REPELLENT

• Coriander seed oil was insecticidal against grain pests. From: Khani, A., & Rahdari, T. (2012). Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of essential oil from Coriandrum sativum seeds against Tribolium confusum and Callosobruchus maculatus. ISRN pharmaceutics, 2012.
• C. sativum essential oil was repellent against a mosquito species. From: Benelli, G., Flamini, G., Fiore, G., Cioni, P. L., & Conti, B. (2013). Larvicidal and repellent activity of the essential oil of Coriandrum sativum L.(Apiaceae) fruits against the filariasis vector Aedes albopictus Skuse (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 112(3), 1155-1161.

SKIN / WOUND HEALING / BURNS

• In 40 volunteers, a placebo controlled study showed that induced skin redness and inflammation was reduced greater with a lotion containing 0.5% or 1.0% coriander seed oil over the hydrocortisone placebo. From: Reuter, J., Huyke, C., Casetti, F., Theek, C., Frank, U., Augustin, M., & Schempp, C. (2008). Anti‐inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 6(10), 847-851.
• Nine essential oils were studied and showed potential to heal human skin cells in vitro.  They included: Citrus bergamia (bergamot), Coriandrum sativum (cilantro), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum), Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Citrus aurantium (petitgrain), Santalum album (sandalwood), Nardostachys jatamansi (spikenard), and Cananga odorata (ylang ylang).  From:  Han, X., Beaumont, C., & Stevens, N. (2017). Chemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ten essential oils in human skin cells. Biochimie Open, 5, 1-7.
• Coriander seed essential oil was active against multiple tested bacteria that cause skin infections in vitro. Further, a 0.5% and a 1.0% cream was tested on 40 volunteers, none of which had skin any skin irritation reactions. From: Casetti, F., Bartelke, S., Biehler, K., Augustin, M., Schempp, C. M., & Frank, U. (2012). Antimicrobial activity against bacteria with dermatological relevance and skin tolerance of the essential oil from Coriandrum sativum L. fruits. Phytotherapy research, 26(3), 420-424.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

ATHLETE’S FOOT

• In a placebo controlled study of 40 patients with tinea pedis, a 6% coriander oil solution applied twice daily for 14 days significantly reduced the infection and was well tolerated. From: Beikert, F. C., Anastasiadou, Z., Fritzen, B., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Topical treatment of tinea pedis using 6% coriander oil in unguentum leniens: a randomized, controlled, comparative pilot study. Dermatology, 226(1), 47-51.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• In 40 volunteers, a placebo controlled study showed that induced skin redness and inflammation was reduced greater with a lotion containing 0.5% or 1.0% coriander seed oil over the hydrocortisone placebo. From: Reuter, J., Huyke, C., Casetti, F., Theek, C., Frank, U., Augustin, M., & Schempp, C. (2008). Anti‐inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 6(10), 847-851.

ANTI-CANCER

• Coriander was protective against the deleterious effects in lipid metabolism in experimental colon cancer.  From:  Chithra, V., & Leelamma, S. (2000). Coriandrum sativum—effect on lipid metabolism in 1, 2-dimethyl hydrazine induced colon cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 71(3), 457-463.

ANTICONVULSANT

• Extracts from the arial parts of C. sativum had an anti-convulsive effect in mice. From: Karami, R., Hosseini, M., Mohammadpour, T., Ghorbani, A., Sadeghnia, H. R., Rakhshandeh, H., … & Esmaeilizadeh, M. (2015). Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Coriandrum sativum on oxidative damage in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats. Iranian journal of neurology, 14(2), 59.
• Coriander seed extracts reduced seizures in vivo. From: Hosseinzadeh, H., & Madanifard, M. (2000). Anticonvulsant effects of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extracts in mice.

FEVER

• Marshmallow, beet, chicory, watermelon, coriander, licorice, fummitory, henna, chamomile, peppermint, water lily, great plantain, purslain, pomogranate, willow, violet, and jujube have been used in Persian medicine to help reduce fever in children. From: Hadian, F., Varshochi, M., Zargaran, A., Besharat, M., & Mousavi Bazaz, M. (2019). Medicinal Herbs Useful in Pediatric Fever from the Perspective of Persian Medicine. International Journal of Pediatrics, 7(9), 10087-10098.

Compiled by: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 9/30/19​