Chemistry and biological activity of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Our bodies various endogenous systems produce Free radicals reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species when our body is exposed to different physiochemical conditions or pathological states.
But a balance between free radicals and antioxidants is vital for proper physiological function.
When free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress occurs. Free radicals thus adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases.
Some internally generated sources of free radicals are[8]
- Mitochondria
- Xanthine oxidase
- Peroxisomes
- Inflammation
- Phagocytosis
- Arachidonate pathways
- Exercise
- Ischemia/reperfusion injury
- Some externally generated sources of free radicals are:
- Cigarette smoke
- Environmental pollutants
- Radiation
- Certain drugs, pesticides
- Industrial solvents
- Ozone

The root of of Coriandrum sativum has been shown to have antioxidant and anticancer properties. The herb shows potential in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases and would be useful as supplements used in combination with conventional drugs to enhance the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
The compositional analysis of Coriander sativum essential oil
Table of Contents
Chemical group | Composition |
---|---|
Alcohols | Linalool (60–80%), geraniol (1.2%–4.6%), terpinen-4-ol (3%), α-terpineol (0.5%) |
Hydrocarbons | γ-terpinene (1–8%), r-cymene (3.5%), limonene (0.5%–4.0%), a-pinene (0.2%–8.5%), camphene (1.4%), myrcene (0.2%–2.0%) |
Ketones | Camphor (0.9%–4.9%) |
Esters | Geranyl acetate (0.1%–4.7%), linalyl acetate (0%–2.7%) |
Composition variation of Coriander sativum essential oil from different parts of the plant.
Source | Composition | Geographic location | Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Seeds | Linalool (58.0–80.3%), γ-terpinene (0.3%–11.2%), α-pinene (0.2%–10.9%), p-cymene (0.1%–8.1%), camphor (3.0%–5.1%) geranyl acetate (0.2%–5.4%) | Europe | [49] |
Flowers | Benzofuran,2,3-dihydro (15.4%), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (10.32%) 2,4a-epioxy-3,4,5,6,7,8,-hexahydro-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyl-2h-1-benzofuran (9.35%), 2-methyoxy-4-vinylphenol (8.8%) 2,3,5,6-tetrafluroanisole (8.62%) 2,6-dimethyl-3-aminobenzoquinone (6.81%) dodecanoic acid (5%) | India | [50] |
Leaves | Decanal (19.09%), trans-2-decenal (17.54%), 2-decen-1-ol (12.33%) cyclodecane (12.15%), cis-2-dodecena (10.72%), Dodecanal (4.1%), dodecan-1-ol (3.13%) | Brazil | [34] |