This document summarizes information about Coriandrum Sativum L., commonly known as coriander or cilantro. It contains essential oils such as linalool and fatty oils like oleic acid. Coriander has various pharmacological actions including being aromatic, anti-arthritic, stimulating digestive secretions, and being anti-ulcer, anti-lipidemic, anti-spasmodic, and more. The daily dose is 1-3 grams of powdered seeds or a freshly prepared cup of infusion between meals. Overdose may cause liver damage and skin sensitivity. It should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation.

1. CORIANDRUM
SATIVUM L.
(UMBILLIFEREAE)

2. Coriander
o Botanical origin: Coriandrum Sativum L.
o Family: Apiaceae / Umbillifereae
o Common name: Dhania, Cilantro
o English name: Coriander
o Part used: Fresh leaves and seeds
o Chemical constituents
o Essential oils(1-2%)
• Linalool (major constituent)

3. • Geraniol
• α-pinenes
• α-cymene
• Camphor
• Ɣ-terpene
o Fatty oils(in fruit)
• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Petrocelic acid
• Ascorbic acid
• Umbelliferone

5. Pharmacological Actions
 Aromacity
o Due to strong smell of aldehydes gives a great
taste and fresh aroma to the food.
 Anti-Arthritis
o Due to precense of large amount of Ca and P, it
prevents osteoporosis and bone damage.
 Stimulant for digestive secretions
o It is anti-oxidant and activates liver activity and
enhance the efficiency of GTI for food digesion.
 Anti-ulcer
o It is effective in treating mouth ulcers due to its
soothing and refreshing effect. It also prevents
colon ulcer by increasing liver activity for better
digestion.

6.  Anti-lipidemic action
o Best cholesterol controlling drug by lowering the
bad cholesterol and incresing the good cholesterol
& prevents its accumulation in arteries.
 Anti-spasmodic: It relieve spasms of GIT.
 Excellent expectorant
o It cause clearance of mucous from airways &
relieves chest congestion.
 Anti-bacterial and anti-septic
o Due to presence of certain acids, it is effective
against bacteria and helps wound heal soon.
 Anti-diabetic
o Its powder is effective in reducing sugar level by
increasing insulin level and glucose uptake.

7.  Diuretic
o It is a diuretic and help to excrete toxins and extra
water from cells, thus helps kidneys to pass out
more urine and purifies the system and also helps
in weight loss.
Daily Dose
 Powdered seeds: 1-3grams
 As infusion: A freshly prepared cup between meals
 As a fluid extract: 5-30 drops

8. Side Effects
 Effect on liver functioning
o Overdose may cause damage to liver by extra
ordinary essential oil components & may
emphasize excessive bile secretion.
 Skin sensitivity problem
o Acids present in it cause irritation and itching of skin
and make it sensitive to sunlight.
 Breathing problems and chest pain
o Prolonged use cause tightness of throat and dry
throat & also cause chest pain.
 Harmful in pregnancy and lactation
o It may affect the gland secretion leading to
abnormal activity of reproductive glands causing
damage to mother or the developing fetus.

9. Contraindications
 The pure essential oil is irritating . Orally in doses
higher than those specified may cause convulsion.
 It should not be used during pregnancy and
lactation.
 It has a weak potential for sensitization , although
its known cases of contact dermatitis.
Toxicity
 Linalool and umbelliferone may be toxic if taken in
higher concentrations & may cause contact
dermatitis.

10. References
 www.pharmacognosy.com/herbs-medicinal-
plants/coriander/
 www.webmd.com/vitamins-
supplements/ingredientmono-117-coriander.
 www.sciencedirect.com
 www.botanical.com
 Link.springer.com
 www.ncbi.nlm.nib.com
 www.drug.com
 www.medicinalplants-pharmacognosy.com
 www.doctorayur.com
o www.slideshow.com