# Dhanyaka

> Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Not individually listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in European, British, and Indian pharmacopoeias; GRAS status by FDA.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Coriandrum sativum L.
- **Family:** Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not individually listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in European, British, and Indian pharmacopoeias; GRAS status by FDA

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dhanyaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Coriandrum sativum L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool) (60-80% of seed essential oil - primary active)
- Gamma-terpinene
- [Decanal](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#decanal)
- Geranyl acetate
- [Camphor](/herb/camphor/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and [rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin) ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))
- Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid (phenolics)
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)
- [Tocopherols](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tocopherols)
- Fatty acids (petroselinic acid - unique)

## How does it work?

- [Anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) mechanism through linalool-mediated modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission and glutamate receptor inhibition, reducing neuronal excitotoxicity
- Hypoglycemic mechanism through stimulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and enhancement of peripheral [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake, mediated by flavonoid and essential oil fractions
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) mechanism through linalool disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity and inhibition of efflux pump activity, showing broad-spectrum activity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Digestive and carminative properties validated through clinical and preclinical studies, confirming Ayurvedic use as Deepana-Pachana in digestive disorders (Agnimandya)
- Anxiolytic properties validated through animal model studies showing dose-dependent reduction in anxiety markers, supporting traditional use as a cooling and calming herb
- Hypoglycemic activity validated through multiple in vivo and some clinical studies, confirming traditional use in Prameha (diabetes management)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chaurasia PK, Bharati SL 2025. [Coriander: A holistic outlook on its chemistry and pharmacology](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39719783/). *Food chemistry*. PMID [39719783](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39719783/) · [doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142444](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.142444)  
  Holistic review documenting the full phytochemical spectrum including essential oils, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids, with emphasis on pharmacological mechanisms and drug delivery advancements.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Widely consumed spice with GRAS status; generally safe at culinary and traditional therapeutic doses; rare cases of contact dermatitis and photosensitivity reported with fresh [coriander](/herb/coriander/) leaf handling
- High-dose essential oil ingestion may cause hepatic or renal effects; potential interaction with antidiabetic medications due to hypoglycemic potential; contraindicated in known Apiaceae allergy

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Linalool
- Decanal
- Camphor
- Quercetin
- Rutin
- Flavonoids
- Coumarins
- Tocopherols

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Hima (cold infusion), Tablet, Capsule, Essential oil, [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g seed powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction or cold infusion twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily; essential oil: 1-3 drops in carrier

**Bioavailability:** Coriandrum sativum seeds contain linalool (60-70% of essential oil), flavonoids, and coumarins. Linalool has good oral bioavailability (>60%) due to favorable lipophilicity and small molecular size. Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (rutin, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-3-glucuronide) have moderate bioavailability (15-25%), improved by gut microbial deglycosylation. Cold infusion (Hima) preserves volatile constituents better than hot decoction. The traditional practice of light roasting (Bharjana) before use modifies volatile profile and may improve digestibility.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals as digestive aid; before meals for appetite stimulation; Hima (cold infusion) throughout the day for Pitta conditions and burning sensation

**Standardized Extract:** Essential oil: standardized to NLT 65% linalool by GC-MS. Seed extract: NLT 1% total flavonoids (as rutin). Extract ratio 5:1.

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (powder - due to volatile loss); 2 years (tablet/capsule); 3 years (essential oil in sealed amber bottle); whole seeds: 2-3 years

**Storage:** Whole seeds in airtight containers at room temperature. Powder: airtight, moisture-proof containers below 25 deg C - use quickly after grinding. Essential oil: amber glass, cool place, nitrogen headspace.

**Marker Compounds:** Linalool, [Geraniol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#geraniol), Geranyl acetate, [Camphor](/herb/camphor/), Rutin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Coumarins

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil (Dhanyaka Taila)
- Cold infusion (Hima - traditional)
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Supercritical CO2 for high-quality essential oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Jeeraka](/herb/jeeraka/) ([cumin](/herb/cumin/)) and Saunf ([fennel](/herb/fennel/)) as digestive triad
- With Sunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) for enhanced carminative action
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) combination
- With Musta for diarrhea and dyspepsia
- With [Mishreya](/herb/mishreya/) ([fennel](/herb/fennel/)) in Shadangapaniya for fever management

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.