Botanical Profile
Coriander is a globally cultivated spice and aromatic plant of the Apiaceae family. Both the fresh herb and the dried fruits are botanically and culturally significant.
Coriandrum sativum L. is an annual plant with finely divided upper leaves, whitish to pink umbel flowers, and spherical schizocarps. The plant probably originates from the Mediterranean region and Western Asia and was spread worldwide through trade and agriculture. The fresh leaves have a different aroma profile from the warm-spicy dried fruits, Coriandri fructus.
Phytochemistry
Coriander fruits contain essential oil, whose principal component is often linalool. Other constituents may include geranyl acetate, camphor, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, limonene, and other monoterpenes. Fatty oil, proteins, phenolic acids, and other accompanying substances are also described. The fresh herb is more strongly characterised by aldehydic green aroma components.
Traditional Uses
Coriander is established as a spice plant in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, and European cultures. Historically, the fruits were used in bread, spice blends, meat dishes, confectionery, and beverages. Pharmacognostic standard works describe coriander as an aromatic fruit drug.
Current Research
Modern research investigates coriander fruits with regard to essential oil, linalool content, antimicrobial and antioxidant experimental fields, differences in origin, and nutrition-related plant-compound profiles. Differences between leaf and fruit profiles are also examined.
Sources
- European Pharmacopoeia: Coriandri fructus
- Standard reference: Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Coriander
- Standard reference: Hager's Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice – Coriandrum sativum
- Research: Review articles on Coriandrum sativum, essential oil, and linalool profiles
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.