Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Coriander Herb

Coriandrum sativum

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 nameCoriandrum sativum
FamilyApiaceae · other entries in this family
OrderApiales
Also known asCoriander Herb, CorianderHerb
Taxon identifiersGBIF 3034871 · Wikidata Q41611 · NCBI Taxonomy 4047

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishCoriander_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 leaves used as fresh herb primarily.

Bioavailability: Fresh leaf (cilantro) volatile composition differs from seed—contains decanal, dodecanal, and 2-decenal instead of linalool. Aldehydes show rapid oral and transmucosal absorption. Chlorophyll and carotenoids in fresh leaves provide 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 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, Kaempferol, Apigenin, Chlorogenic acid, Beta-carotene, 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) for digestive and cooling formulations
  • With Neem for detoxification and skin health
  • With Amalaki for Pitta-pacifying combinations
  • With Haridra for anti-inflammatory leaf preparations

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews9

  1. Santibáñez A, Jiménez-Ferrer E, Angulo-Bejarano PI and others. 2023. Coriandrum sativum and Its Utility in Psychiatric DisordersMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37513187 · doi:10.3390/molecules28145314
  2. Scandar S, Zadra C, Marcotullio MC. 2023. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Polyphenols and Their Nutraceutical Value against Obesity and Metabolic SyndromeMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37241925 · doi:10.3390/molecules28104187
  3. Sobhani Z, Mohtashami L, Amiri MS and others. 2022. Ethnobotanical and phytochemical aspects of the edible herb Coriandrum sativum LJournal of food science. PMID 35279837 · doi:10.1111/1750-3841.16085
  4. Verma T, Sinha M, Bansal N and others. 2021. Plants Used as AntihypertensiveNatural products and bioprospecting. PMID 33174095 · doi:10.1007/s13659-020-00281-x
  5. Hosseini M, Boskabady MH, Khazdair MR. 2021. Neuroprotective effects of Coriandrum sativum and its constituent, linalool: A reviewAvicenna journal of phytomedicine. PMID 34745916 · doi:10.22038/AJP.2021.55681.2786
  6. Mahleyuddin NN, Moshawih S, Ming LC and others. 2021. Coriandrum sativum L.: A Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Cardiovascular BenefitsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35011441 · doi:10.3390/molecules27010209
  7. Wei JN, Liu ZH, Zhao YP and others. 2019. Phytochemical and bioactive profile of Coriandrum sativum LFood chemistry. PMID 30827604 · doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.01.171
  8. Laribi B, Kouki K, M'Hamdi M and others. 2015. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituentsFitoterapia. PMID 25776008 · doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.03.012
  9. 2006. Coriander PMID 30000851

Laboratory and animal studies3

  1. Póvoa O, Farinha N, Lopes V and others. 2024. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) from Alentejo (South Portugal)-Ethnobotany and Potential Industrial UseFoods (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38540919 · doi:10.3390/foods13060929
  2. Mathew D, Valsalan R, Shijili M. 2024. Genome-wide mining and characterization of MATE transporters in Coriandrum sativum LMolecular biology research communications. PMID 38915458 · doi:10.22099/mbrc.2024.49840.1954
  3. Brinza I, Boiangiu RS, Cioanca O and others. 2023. Direct Evidence for Using Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum Essential Oil to Ameliorate Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment and Brain Oxidative Stress in the Zebrafish ModelAntioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 37627529 · doi:10.3390/antiox12081534

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