# Coriander Herb

> Coriander Herb (Coriandrum sativum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Cilantro/coriander leaves used as fresh herb primarily. Bioavailability: Fresh leaf (cilantro) volatile composition differs from seed—contains decanal, dodecanal, and 2-decenal instead of linalool.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Coriandrum sativum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Coriander_Herb |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh leaf juice), Churna (dried leaf powder), Lepa (paste), Kashayam (decoction), Culinary herb (fresh)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml fresh juice; 2-4g dried leaf powder; external paste as needed; liberally used as fresh culinary herb. Cilantro/[coriander](/herb/coriander/) leaves used as fresh herb primarily.

**Bioavailability:** Fresh leaf (cilantro) volatile composition differs from seed—contains [decanal](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#decanal), dodecanal, and 2-decenal instead of [linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool). Aldehydes show rapid oral and transmucosal absorption. [Chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll) and [carotenoids](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carotenoids) in fresh leaves provide [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) support but have limited systemic absorption. Fresh juice (Swarasa) provides maximum volatile bioavailability. Drying significantly reduces volatile aldehyde content—fresh herb is pharmacologically distinct from dried.

**Optimal Timing:** Fresh juice early morning for detoxification; as culinary herb with meals; external paste as needed for skin conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Freeze-dried leaf powder retaining NLT 0.1% volatile aldehydes; fresh juice concentrate (not practical for stable products). Dried leaf extract standardized to [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) NLT 1%.

**Shelf Life:** 5-7 days (fresh herb, refrigerated); 1 year (dried leaf powder); 6 months (freeze-dried); 2 days (fresh juice)

**Storage:** Fresh herb refrigerated at 2-5°C with damp paper towel in sealed bag. Dried leaves in airtight, light-protected containers. Freeze-dried product in nitrogen-flushed, moisture-proof packaging.

**Marker Compounds:** Decanal, Dodecanal, 2-Decenal, Linalool (trace in leaves), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Chlorogenic acid, Beta-carotene, [Lutein](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#lutein)

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice extraction (Swarasa)
- Steam distillation for leaf essential oil (yield very low: 0.1-0.3%)
- Aqueous decoction of dried leaves
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for flavonoid fraction
- Lyophilization (freeze-drying) for maximum volatile retention in dried form

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Mint ([Pudina](/herb/pudina/)) for digestive and cooling formulations
- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) for detoxification and skin health
- With Amalaki for Pitta-pacifying combinations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory leaf preparations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/coriander-herb/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.