# Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/coriander
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Middle Eastern
**Also Known As:** Coriandrum sativum, Cilantro, Chinese parsley, Dhania, Kothmir, Arab parsley, Mexican parsley

## Overview

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) contains [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) essential oil compounds including linalool and geranyl acetate that demonstrate activity against pathogenic bacteria. The seed extracts show preliminary antiviral properties through phenolic compounds that may interfere with viral replication mechanisms.

## Health Benefits

• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity demonstrated in vitro against bacteria via seed essential oil compounds (preliminary evidence only)
• Potential viral risk reduction suggested through ethanol extract compounds identified by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis (preclinical evidence only)
• Traditional uses for various ailments implied by phytochemical profile (no clinical validation)
• Rich source of [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) compounds including quercetin glycosides (405-3296 mg/kg) and phenolic acids (laboratory analysis only)
• Contains folates and ascorbic acid in aerial parts (nutritional analysis without clinical outcomes)

## Mechanism of Action

Coriander's [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects stem from essential oil compounds like linalool and geranyl acetate that disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit enzyme systems. The phenolic compounds identified through UHPLC-MS/MS analysis appear to interfere with viral protein synthesis and replication pathways. These bioactive molecules work synergistically to provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for coriander comes primarily from in vitro studies demonstrating [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity of seed essential oils against various bacterial strains. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis has identified antiviral compounds in ethanol extracts, but this remains at the preclinical stage. No large-scale human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic dosages or clinical efficacy. The evidence is limited to laboratory studies and traditional use patterns.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100g fresh coriander leaves: Energy ~23 kcal; Protein ~2.1g; Total fat ~0.5g; Carbohydrates ~3.7g; Dietary fiber ~2.8g; Water ~92g. Vitamins: Vitamin A ~6748 IU (from β-carotene ~3930 µg, providing significant provitamin A activity); Vitamin C ~27 mg (~30% DV, though highly labile and reduced by heat/storage); Vitamin K ~310 µg (~258% DV, primarily as phylloquinone, highly bioavailable from fresh leaves); Folate (B9) ~62 µg; Vitamin E ~2.5 mg (as α-tocopherol). Minerals: Potassium ~521 mg; Calcium ~67 mg (moderate bioavailability due to presence of oxalates); Iron ~1.8 mg (non-heme form, bioavailability enhanced when consumed with vitamin C-rich foods); Magnesium ~26 mg; Manganese ~0.43 mg; Phosphorus ~48 mg; Zinc ~0.5 mg; Sodium ~46 mg. Per 100g dried coriander seeds: Energy ~298 kcal; Protein ~12.4g; Total fat ~17.8g (rich in petroselinic acid, an unusual C18:1 fatty acid comprising up to 70-80% of seed oil fatty acids); Carbohydrates ~54.9g; Dietary fiber ~41.9g. Bioactive compounds in leaves: Linalool (major volatile, ~40-70% of leaf essential oil); (E)-2-decenal and (E)-2-dodecenal (aldehydes responsible for characteristic aroma, ~20-30% of leaf volatiles); quercetin (~5-30 mg/100g fresh weight); kaempferol; rutin; caffeic acid; chlorogenic acid; ferulic acid; p-coumaric acid. Bioactive compounds in seeds: Linalool (~60-80% of seed essential oil); geranyl acetate (~1-5%); γ-terpinene (~1-8%); α-pinene (~0.2-8%); camphor (~0.9-5%); total essential oil content ~0.3-1.0% of dry seed weight. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity: ORAC value for fresh leaves ~5141 µmol TE/100g. Seeds contain notable phytosterols including β-sitosterol (~60-80 mg/100g seeds) and stigmasterol. Polyphenol content in leaves estimated at ~160-350 mg GAE/100g fresh weight depending on cultivar and growing conditions. Bioavailability notes: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K) absorption enhanced when consumed with dietary fat; petroselinic acid from seeds has slower oxidative degradation than oleic acid; linalool is readily absorbed but rapidly metabolized; quercetin glycosides in leaves have ~20-50% oral bioavailability compared to aglycone form.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available for coriander extracts, powders, or standardized forms. While commercial essential oils are standardized to 65-78% linalool content per ISO standards, this is not linked to therapeutic dosing. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Coriander is generally recognized as safe when used as a culinary spice, with minimal reported adverse effects. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with existing sensitivities to other Apiaceae family plants. No significant drug interactions have been documented in clinical literature. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake to normal culinary amounts due to insufficient safety data for therapeutic doses.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs for Coriandrum sativum. Available data focuses solely on phytochemical analysis and in vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity, with one preclinical study examining compounds for potential SARS-CoV-2 risk reduction via UHPLC-MS/MS identification.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Coriander has been used in global traditional medicine systems across regions where it grows, particularly for applications implied by its [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) phytochemistry. Ethnopharmacological reviews document its traditional use without specifying particular systems like Ayurveda or TCM.

## Synergistic Combinations

Fennel, Cumin, Black Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in coriander provide antimicrobial benefits?

The primary antimicrobial compounds in coriander are linalool and geranyl acetate found in the essential oils of seeds. These compounds demonstrate activity against pathogenic bacteria by disrupting cell membranes and inhibiting key enzymatic processes.

### How much coriander should I take for health benefits?

No standardized therapeutic dosage has been established through clinical trials. Traditional uses typically involve 1-3 grams of ground seeds daily, but most evidence comes from laboratory studies rather than human research.

### Can coriander help with viral infections?

Preliminary laboratory analysis shows coriander extracts contain phenolic compounds with potential antiviral properties. However, this evidence is limited to preclinical studies and has not been validated in human trials for viral infection treatment.

### Is coriander safe to take with medications?

Coriander has no documented significant drug interactions when used in normal culinary amounts. However, therapeutic doses haven't been extensively studied for potential interactions with prescription medications, so consultation with healthcare providers is advisable.

### What's the difference between coriander leaves and seeds for health?

Coriander seeds contain higher concentrations of antimicrobial essential oils like linalool, while fresh leaves provide different antioxidant compounds. The seeds are primarily used in traditional medicine and contain the compounds studied for antimicrobial activity.

### What is the best form of coriander supplement—seed extract, essential oil, or whole seed powder?

Coriander seed extract and essential oil contain concentrated phytochemicals studied in research, while whole seed powder provides a broader phytochemical profile with less concentration. Essential oils should not be ingested undiluted due to potency and safety concerns. The choice depends on your intended use, though whole seeds and seed powder are considered safer for regular consumption than concentrated extracts.

### Is coriander safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Limited clinical data exists on coriander safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before supplementation during these periods. Traditional culinary use of coriander in food is generally considered safe, but concentrated supplements represent a different exposure level. Pregnant or nursing individuals should err on the side of caution with herbal supplements.

### What does scientific research actually show about coriander's health benefits—are claims supported by clinical studies?

Most coriander research remains in preclinical stages (test tubes and animal models), with limited human clinical trials available. Antimicrobial and antiviral properties have been identified in laboratory settings but lack robust clinical validation in people. The ingredient's traditional use history is extensive, but this does not substitute for modern clinical evidence of efficacy.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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