Coriandrum sativum
Botanical Nomenclature | Coriandrum sativum |
Common Name | Cilantro, Coriander, Dhania |
Taxonomy- Family | Apiaceae, Umbelliferae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Coriandrum sativum is an annual herb growing from 20 to 140 cm, with composite, trilobal, serrated leaves, pink or white, hermaphrodite flowers in inflorescences and spherical fruits. The flowering lasts from June to July, the fruiting takes place from August to September and the harvesting happens in June. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Stems, leaves, roots, seeds |
Active Substances | Essential oil, which contains linalool, alpha-pinene, gamma-terpene, geraniol, camphor. Fatty acids (petroselinic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid), beta-sitosterol, delta-sitosterol, triacontanol, triconasole, delta-octadecanoic acid, proteins, carbohydrates, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid vitamins A, B, C. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has antidiarrhoeal, expectorant, sedative, emmenagogue, analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is administered in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of flatulence, diarrhea, nausea, colic and intestinal spasms. In folk medicine it is recommended against measles, hemorrhoids, dental pain, helminths and infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Also, the herbal extract is used to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers and it is widely used in cooking, in cosmetology as an aromatic plant, in food industry as preservative, as well as an alternative fuel source and insect repellent. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as an antidiarrheal, antispasmodic and analgesic in the form of herbal tea (2-3 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiled water, 2-3 times a day). It can also be eaten as a fresh salad. The essential oil is used in cosmetics, while the seeds oil is used in fuel industry. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | When the plant is administered in very large quantities, it has narcotic properties. It may cause allergic reactions and photosensitivity. Its frequent use should be avoided by people suffering from bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis. |
References | 1)http://aromaticplantkilkis.blogspot.gr/2010/05/coriander-coriandrum-sativum.html 2)http://www.reherb.eu/el/content/coriandrum-sativum 3)http://www.coriandrumsativum.com/coriandrum-sativum-medical-uses/ 4)http://www.scopemed.org/?mno=2633 5)http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-117-coriander.aspx?activeingredientid=117&activeingredientname=coriander 6)http://www.academia.edu/8172447/Nutritional_and_medicinal_aspects_of_coriander_Coriandrum_sativum_L._A_review |