Overview

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a plant in the Apiaceae family. Its fruit (seeds) are typically called "coriander" while its leaves are called cilantro.

Coriander is a source of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Coriander essential oil might have antibacterial effects. Coriander also contains chemicals that might lower blood pressure by causing blood vessels to dilate and work like a "water pill" (diuretic).

People use coriander for anxiety, constipation, diabetes, indigestion, parasite infections, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), skin irritation, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse coriander with similarly named Vietnamese coriander. Also don't confuse it with cilantro, which refers to the leaves of the same plant. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Coriander overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Coriander is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. It seems to be well-tolerated, but some people might be allergic to coriander.

When applied to the skin: Coriander is possibly safe when used appropriately. Coriander oil 6% ointment has been used safely twice daily for up to 28 days. It seems to be well-tolerated. Side effects might include skin irritation and itching.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Coriander is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine. It seems to be well-tolerated, but some people might be allergic to coriander.

When applied to the skin: Coriander is possibly safe when used appropriately. Coriander oil 6% ointment has been used safely twice daily for up to 28 days. It seems to be well-tolerated. Side effects might include skin irritation and itching.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coriander is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergies. People who are allergic to mugwort, aniseed, caraway, fennel, dill, or similar plants might have allergic reactions to coriander.

Surgery: Coriander might lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and cause sleepiness. This might interfere with blood sugar and blood pressure control during surgery. It might also interfere with medications used during surgery that also cause sleepiness. Stop using coriander at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Coriander

    Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Coriander might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with Coriander

    Coriander might lower blood pressure. Taking coriander along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with Coriander

    Coriander might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking coriander with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Coriander

    Coriander might lower blood sugar levels. Taking coriander along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Dosing

Coriander is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of coriander might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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