
"Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), commonly known as Dhana in Ayurveda, is a fragrant annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native to regions spanning Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia, it is widely cultivated for both its seeds and fresh leaves. In traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine, it is valued for its digestive, carminative, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties.
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Coriander Scientific Name
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Apiales
- Family: Apiaceae
- Genus: Coriandrum
- Species: Coriandrum sativum L.
Coriander Common Name
- English: Coriander
- Sanskrit: Dhānyaka, Dhana
- Hindi: Dhania
- Gujarati: Dhana
- Tamil: Kothamalli
- Telugu: Dhaniyalu
- Malayalam: Malli
- Kannada: Kottambari
- Bengali: Dhone
- Marathi: Dhane
Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Digestive Health - Used as a carminative, improving digestion, reducing bloating, flatulence, and acidity.
- Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Effects - Contains phenolic compounds that combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Antimicrobial Activity - Demonstrates antibacterial and antifungal properties, particularly due to linalool in the essential oil.
- Diuretic and Detoxifying - Traditionally used to promote urination, cleanse the urinary tract, and reduce water retention.
- Blood Sugar Management - Studied for its potential hypoglycemic effect, useful in managing early stages of diabetes.
- Menstrual and Reproductive Support - Used in traditional medicine to regulate menstrual flow and relieve associated discomfort.
- Skin Health - Employed externally in Ayurvedic preparations to treat acne, eczema, and skin irritations.
Phytochemical Constituents
Coriandrum sativum is rich in several bioactive phytochemicals that contribute to its therapeutic actions:
- Essential Oils: Linalool, Geraniol, Camphor, Borneol, Limonene
- Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Rutin
- Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid, Chlorogenic acid
- Sterols: β-sitosterol
- Alkaloids: Coriandrin
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, Magnesium
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part-I, Vol. I, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.
Nadkarni, K.M. (2002). Indian Materia Medica, Vol. I, Bombay Popular Prakashan.
Laribi, B., Kouki, K., M’Hamdi, M., & Bettaieb, T. (2015). "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents." Fitoterapia, 103, 9–26.
Sahib, N.G., et al. (2013). "Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): A potential functional food." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 14(2), 2055–2080.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.
Pandey, G. (1981). Dravyaguna Vigyan (Vol. 2). Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi.