Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritional DifferencesSensory ProfilesHealth BenefitsPrecautions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutritional Differences
Sensory Profiles
Health Benefits
Precautions
Corianderandcilantroboth come from theCoriandrum sativum(C. sativum) plant, which is a part of theApiaceaefamily.C. sativumis an annual herbaceous plant that is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East regions.
In the United States, the leaves and stems ofC. sativumare referred to as cilantro, while the seeds are known as coriander. However, in some parts of the world, the leaves of the plant are called coriander and the seeds are called coriander seeds. Both are used in culinary practice and may have health benefits.
C. sativumhas been studied for its potential beneficial effects onupset stomach,gas,diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. It’s also thought to be protective against certain diseases due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The following article compares cilantro and coriander, including their nutrition, health benefits, and more.
Person chopping cilantro on wooden table close up.KucherAV / Getty Images
KucherAV / Getty Images
Coriander seeds and cilantro leaves have different nutrition profiles despite being from the same plant.
As a seed, coriander is denser than cilantro. This means coriander seeds are also more nutrient-dense than cilantro leaves. However, cilantro still has plenty of nutrition to offer.
Coriander seeds are a rich source of minerals, fiber, andphytonutrients(substances found in plants that are thought to be beneficial to human health).Linaloolis the most abundant phytonutrient in coriander seeds. The seeds also contain essential oils and antioxidants (polyphenols) that have been linked to health benefits.
Compared to coriander seeds, cilantro leaves are more abundant in vitamins. While both contain vitamin C, only cilantro leaves contain vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate.
Cilantro leaves are also a source of phytonutrients, including antioxidants likecarotenoidsandflavonoids.
The pigmentchlorophyllis also found in cilantro leaves. Besides giving the leaves their green color, chlorophyll may also provide antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The table below compares nutrients in coriander seeds to nutrients in cilantro leaves.
They Have Different Sensory Profiles
Coriander and cilantro differ in their tastes, textures, and culinary uses.
While coriander is commonly used to add spice to a dish, cilantro is popular in Latin American and Asian dishes due to its unique flavor.
Coriander
In the United States, the term “coriander” refers to the seeds ofCoriandrum sativum. When shopping, you’ll typically see whole or crushed coriander seeds labeled as “coriander” in the spice aisle.
The flavor of coriander seeds is described as warm and nutty, with a citrusy aroma. Many people find coriander seeds to have a pleasant, almost sweet taste.
Coriander seeds are very small and may be sold whole, ground, or powdered. Some people grind or powder whole coriander seeds themselves to maintain flavor.
Coriander seeds are mostly used in savory dishes but may be used in sweet dishes, too. They’re popular in sausages, curries, Scandinavian pastries, liqueurs, and candy.Coriander seeds may also be used in pickling or to make marinades.
Many spice blends also incorporate coriander, including African, South American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Spanish seasonings. Examples of spice blends that include coriander seeds arebaharat,dukkah,Madrascurry powder, and korma curry paste.
Cilantro
The leaves of the coriander plant are known as cilantro leaves in North America. Cilantro is the Spanish word for coriander.
Interestingly, genetics plays a role in this flavor distinction. People who taste soap when eating cilantro have a variation in certain olfactory (smell) genes. This variation causes a strong perception of soap when eating cilantro.
Fresh or dried cilantro is a common ingredient in many Asian and Latin American dishes.It may be found in salsas, marinades, and dressings or used as a garnish in soups, salads, and stews.
Recipes commonly using cilantro includedahl,chimichurri,guisado, andfalafel.
They Have Different Health Benefits
The nutrients, phytochemicals, and other substances in both coriander and cilantro may provide health benefits.
C. sativumhas been used since ancient times, possibly due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, pain-relieving, antimicrobial, and other effects.The coriander plant is also used in various forms of traditional medicine for gas, diarrhea, and other digestive issues.
Research shows that both coriander seeds and cilantro leaves may help with a variety of health conditions.
Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are a rich source of linalool, a phytonutrient linked to a variety of health benefits. Linalool is found in the essential oil of coriander seeds and is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties.
Linalool has been found to prevent the growth of certain types of bacteria, especially Gram-negative bacteria, which are a common source of certainhospital infections.
Lab and animal research also shows that coriander seeds may be beneficial for other health conditions.
Oxidative stress(whenfree radicalsaren’t effectively removed from the body) may lead toneurondamage. In one study, coriander seed extract was found to reduce oxidative stress in the brains of obese rats. Therefore, researchers believe that coriander seeds may be neuroprotective.
Other animal research shows that coriander seeds may help treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic(loweringhigh blood sugar) properties.
In one test tube study, coriander seed extract was found to stop the progression ofcancer cells. Additionally, coriander seeds were found to preventmetastasis(the spread of cancer) in mice.
Overall, human studies are limited in these and other areas of research on coriander seeds. More studies are needed on their potential health benefits.
Cilantro Leaves
Although more research has been done on coriander seeds, there is some evidence that cilantro leaves may be used medicinally.
The extract of cilantro leaves has been linked to antioxidant properties in animal and test tube studies. In one, the leaf extract was found to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation in mice. Excessive UV radiation exposure may causephotoaging(sun damage).
Similar to coriander seeds, cilantro leaves may also have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In one lab study, cilantro leaf extract was found to contain phytonutrients, like fatty alcohols and aldehyde, that exhibited antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The leaves had antimicrobial effects againstStaphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae,andCandida albicans.
Very few human studies exist on the potential health benefits of cilantro leaves. More research is needed to help determine whether the positive results from lab and animal studies are also seen in humans.
Who Should Avoid Coriander and Cilantro?
Coriander and cilantro may not be suitable for everyone.
Some people may be allergic to coriander seeds, cilantro leaves, or other parts of theC. sativumplant.You should avoid coriander seeds and cilantro if you are allergic to them or other parts of the plant. Seek immediate medical attention if you have asevere allergic reaction(itching, hives, shortness of breath, etc.).
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), coriander seeds are labeled “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). While most people won’t have any issues using coriander, some may experiencecontact dermatitis, photosensitivity, upset stomach, or other side effects.Side effects are more likely if you consume large amounts of coriander seeds or cilantro leaves.
There is some concern that coriander seeds and/or cilantro leaves may interact with certain medications, making them less effective. Medications that may interact with parts of the coriander plant include:
However, more research is needed to determine whether these and other interactions indeed exist. Talk with a healthcare provider if you take any medications and are considering using coriander seeds or cilantro leaves.
The small percentage of people with the genetic factor that causes cilantro to taste like soap may wish to forego eating it.
Summary
Coriander seeds and cilantro leaves both come from the coriander plant,Coriandrum sativum. However, these plant parts have different flavors, textures, and potential health benefits.
Coriander seeds and cilantro leaves contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, including linalool. While coriander seeds contain more minerals, cilantro leaves contain more vitamins.
Coriander seeds and cilantro leaves have been linked to various health benefits, primarily due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is needed on both.
Although both coriander seeds and cilantro leaves are generally considered safe, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider before giving either a try, especially if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications.
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Britannica.Coriander.
Scandar S, Zadra C, Marcotullio MC.Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) polyphenols and their nutraceutical value against obesity and metabolic syndrome.Molecules. 2023;28(10):4187. doi:10.3390/molecules28104187
U.S. Department of Agriculture- FoodData Central.Coriander (cilantro) leaves, raw.
Martins T, Barros AN, Rosa E, Antunes L.Enhancing health benefits through chlorophylls and chlorophyll-rich agro-food: a comprehensive review.Molecules. 2023;28(14):5344. doi:10.3390/molecules28145344
U.S. Department of Agriculture - FoodData Central.Spices, coriander seed.
Allrecipes.Curry powder.
Allrecipes.Dukkah.
Allrecipes.Baharat.
Merriam-Webster.Cilantro.
Mauer L, El-Sohemy A.Prevalence of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) disliking among different ethnocultural groups.Flavour. 2023; 1(8). doi.org/10.1186/2044-7248-1-8
Britannica.Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?
Prachayasittikul V, Prachayasittikul S, Ruchirawat S, Prachayasittikul V.Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): A promising functional food toward the well-being.Food Res Int. 2018;105:305-323. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.019
Hosseini M, Boskabady MH, Khazdair MR.Neuroprotective effects ofCoriandrum sativumand its constituent, linalool: A review.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2021;11(5):436-450. doi:10.22038/AJP.2021.55681.2786
Al-Khayri JM, Banadka A, Nandhini M, Nagella P, Al-Mssallem MQ, Alessa FM. Essential oil fromCoriandrum sativum: a review on its phytochemistry and biological activity.Molecules. 2023;28(2):696. doi:10.3390/molecules28020696
Mączka W, Duda-Madej A, Grabarczyk M, Wińska K.Natural compounds in the battle against microorganisms-linalool.Molecules. 2022;27(20):6928. doi:10.3390/molecules27206928
Hardiany NS, Dewi PKK, Dewi S, Tejo BA.Exploration of neuroprotective effect from Coriandrum sativum L. ethanolic seeds extracts on brain of obese rats.Sci Rep. 2024;14(1):603. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-51221-5.
Mechchate H, Es-Safi I, Amaghnouje A, et al.Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic proprieties of LC-MS/MS identified polyphenols from coriander seeds.Molecules. 2021;26(2):487. doi:10.3390/molecules26020487
Huang H, Nakamura T, Yasuzawa T, Ueshima S.Effects of Coriandrum sativum on migration and invasion abilities of cancer cells.J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2020;66(5):468-477. doi:10.3177/jnsv.66.468
Foudah AI, Alqarni MH, Alam A, Ayman Salkini M, Ibnouf Ahmed EO, Yusufoglu HS.Evaluation of the composition and in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Cilantro (Coriandrum sativumL. leaves) cultivated in Saudi Arabia (Al-Kharj).Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021;28(6):3461-3468. doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.03.011
Coriander. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; January 18, 2022.
Wang X, Liu Y, Wang Y, et al.Protective effect of coriander (Coriandrum sativumL.) on high-fructose and high-salt diet-induced hypertension: relevant to improvement of renal and intestinal function.J Agric Food Chem. 2022;70(12):3730-3744. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00267
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies SettingsAccept All Cookies
