Coriander is indigenous to southern Europe, but it is used widely in Asiatic and South American cuisine as well as that of the Mediterranean region. Coriander leaves are used to garnish salads and the roots feature regularly in Thai cooking. However, the small fruits (often called seeds) are the most important part of the plant and are a crucial ingredient of curry powders. Coriander is also used in a range of savory dishes, desserts and confectioneries, as well as in liqueurs and perfumes. The same is true from a medicinal perspective, as the fruits contain the highest concentrations of all the important phytochemicals that occur in this plant. While there is still limited understanding of the mechanisms through which coriander acts, initial research indicates that it is effective as both a treatment and preventive agent for several chronic diseases.

Important Phytochemicals

Antioxidants: Caffeic acid, camphene, chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, myrcene, quercetin, rutin, vanillic acid
Others: Angelicin, apigenin, beta-sitosterol, borneol, camphor, cineole, cinnamic acid, geraniol, limonene, myristicin, terpinenes

Medicinal Properties

Cancer
Coriander’s anti-tumorigenic properties have been demonstrated in relation to colon cancer. It works by protecting against the damaging effects of lipid oxidation associated with this malignancy. It is highly probable that coriander also contributes to the low incidences of several other cancer types seen in the populations of Eastern nations that consume large quantities of this spice.

Cardiovascular Disease and Blood Lipids
Coriander lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, helping to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and thereby heart attack and stroke. It does this through two mechanisms: by inhibiting the uptake of these lipids in the intestines, and by enhancing their breakdown and excretion.

Diabetes
Coriander has dual blood glucose-lowering effects. It works both by enhancing the secretion of insulin from the pancreas and exhibiting insulin-like activity at cellular level.

Chelation
Coriander is a powerful chelator of toxic heavy metals. It has been shown specifically to help and to eliminate lead deposits from the kidneys and bones.