Cilantro
Related Terms
- Apiaceae (family), carotenoid, Chinese parsley, coentro (Portuguese), coriander, coriander leaf, coriander leaves, Coriandrum sativum, curry leaf, curry leaves, Indian parsley, ko-en-do-ro (Japanese), koriander, Mexican parsley, tannin, Umbelliferae (family).
- Combination product: Carmint (Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, Coriandrum sativum).
- Note: This monograph includes information about cilantro, the leaf of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), and the coriander plant in general. It does not include information about the seed, the fruit, coriander spice, or coriander essential oil. The name "Chinese parsley" is used to refer to both cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), as well as an unrelated species, Heliotropium curassavicum; the latter is not covered in this monograph. This monograph does not cover false coriander, called culantro (Eryngium foetidum).
Background
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb in the Apiaceae family. The leaves are also referred to as "coriander leaves," "Chinese parsley," or "cilantro" (from Spanish) in the Americas. "Coriander" also refers to the spice produced from coriander seeds.
- Known for its strong flavor, cilantro is often used in Mexican, Asian, and Caribbean cooking. Recipes that specifically call for "fresh coriander" are referring to the leaves (cilantro). Both coriander and cilantro are commonly used in soups, salads, dressings, salsa, and chutney. The leaves are used in curry and guacamole.
- There is some evidence that Coriandrum sativum may improve vision, digestion, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Clinical studies have been done testing the use of cilantro to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and irritable bowel syndrome. It has also been used to treat mercury poisoning. However, better-designed clinical trials are needed before conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of cilantro for any condition.
- Chinese herbal medicine uses cilantro and coriander for measles, stomachache, and nausea. It is traditionally used as a home remedy for heat stroke, high blood sugar, and hemorrhoids. Some studies suggest that coriander juice mixed with turmeric powder or mint juice may be used as a treatment for acne.
- The flavor of cilantro has been described as a mix of parsley and citrus. Coriander is popular in Indian curries, spice mixtures, and tea infusions. Coriander oil is used for its antibacterial effects and as a natural fragrance in perfumes, soaps, and other cosmetics
Evidence Table
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. |
GRADE * |
There is preliminary evidence that cilantro and antibiotic coadministration is effective at treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
There is preliminary evidence that cilantro and antibiotic coadministration is effective at treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Further research is needed in this area.
|
C |
Cilantro has been reported to remove mercury, lead, and aluminum from the body by promoting the urination of these metals. There is preliminary evidence that cilantro may prevent the body from absorbing mercury found in dental fillings.
|
C |
Cilantro has been reported to remove mercury, lead, and aluminum from the body by promoting the urination of these metals. There is preliminary evidence that cilantro may prevent the body from absorbing mercury found in dental fillings.
|
C |
There is preliminary evidence that a combination product containing Coriandrum sativum may be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Further research in this area is needed.
|
C |
There is preliminary evidence that a combination product containing Coriandrum sativum may be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Further research in this area is needed.
|
C | * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| * Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
| Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older)
- Two teaspoons of cilantro pesto taken daily for three months have been used to help remove heavy metals from the body.
Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
- Cilantro may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
- Cilantro may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
- Cilantro may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking agents that lower blood pressure.
- Cilantro may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
- Cilantro may also interact with agents that increase sensitivity to light, agents that remove heavy metals, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, antiulcer agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, gastrointestinal agents, hepatotoxic agents, and laxatives.
Attribution
-
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).
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