Can This Popular Herb Help Stop Seizures?

This article was previously published on August 8, 2019 and has been updated with new information.

Coriander and coriander seeds are names that identify the two growth stages of the plant genus Coriandum sativum. Coriander refers to the first leaf stage of the life cycle. When the plant goes through the flowering stage and the seed begins to develop, it is called a coriander seed.^first

So, coriander is special in that it is both an herb (leaves) and a spice (seeds). In this article, the term Coriandum sativum refers to both parts of the plant equally. When discussing a particular part of the plant, the terms cilantro and coriander or coriander seeds will be used.

Coriander leaves – A powerful anticonvulsant

Coriander is known to be very rich in folate and ascorbic acid (vitamin C),² and can help detoxify heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead.³ Recent research^4,5 also found coriander leaves to contain a potent potassium channel activating anticonvulsant, suggesting it may be beneficial for people with epilepsy. As explained in this article, published in the July 2019 issue of FASEB Magazine:⁶

“Potentially assessed potassium channel dysfunction of subfamily Q (KCNQ) can cause severe epileptic encephalopathy due to resistance to modern anticonvulsants.

Here we report that cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)… is a very potent KCNQ channel activator. Screening of coriander leaf metabolites revealed that one substance, the long-chain fatty aldehyde (E)-2-dodecenal, activates multiple KCNQs, including both the major neuronal isoform… and the isoform. main heart…

(E)-2-dodecenal also summarizes the anticonvulsant effects of cilantro, delaying seizures induced by pentylene tetrazole… The results provide the molecular basis for the therapeutic activities of cilantro and indicate that This popular culinary herb has a surprising influence on clinically important KCNQ channels. “

In other words, coriander activates specific potassium channels responsible for regulating electrical activity in your brain, thereby reducing seizure activity. Lead investigator Geoff Abbott, PhD, professor of physiology and biophysics at the UCI School of Medicine, told Newswise:⁷

“Specifically, we found a component of cilantro, called dodecenal, that binds to a specific part of the potassium channels to open them, reducing cell excitability.

This specific discovery is important as it could lead to the use of coriander as a more effective anticonvulsant, or the modification of dodecenal to the development of safer and more effective anticonvulsants.

In addition to its anticonvulsant properties, cilantro has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, cardioprotective, stomach health, and pain-relieving effects. And, the best part is that it is delicious! ”

Health benefits of coriander seeds

Coriander seeds and coriander seed oil have also been linked to a range of health benefits. For example, as noted by the American Botanical Council, the seeds have been used to treat dysentery, bronchitis, anxiety, and insomnia.⁸

Topical coriander seed ointment may also help relieve pain from arthritis and rheumatism, an effect due to its anti-inflammatory effects.⁹ The main active ingredient in coriander seeds is linalool, which is responsible for the pleasant smell of coriander. Linalool, and therefore coriander seeds, have been shown to:^ten

In India, coriander seeds are used in the treatment of rheumatic fever and reproductive problems such as hyperspermia (spontaneous, involuntary ejaculation) and spermatosis (vaginal infection).¹⁴ Studies have also found the seeds to have aphrodisiac properties.¹⁵

Coriander Seed Dosage and Safety Guide

According to a 2016 review in Nutrition Today,¹⁶ “Coriander oil and linalool were not toxic, leading to the assessment that the essential oil is considered safe as a food additive at the levels currently permitted for use.”

The dosage used in traditional medicine is 1 gram to 5 grams of coriander seed powder three times a day, or 14 to 71 milligrams, three times a day, for a 154-pound person.¹⁷ Coriander seed tea can also be made using 4 grams to 30 grams of the seeds in about 3.5 ounces of boiling water (100 ml).¹⁸

According to Nutrition Today,¹⁹ “Side effects associated with the use of coriander seeds and leaves in traditional medicines have not been documented, although a case report from Iran described endocrine toxicity in a woman who drink about 200 mL of 10% leaf extract for seven consecutive days.”

Common benefits of Coriandum Sativum

According to a review of the medicinal benefits of Coriandum sativum:²⁰

“Coriander is used as a household medicine for colds, seasonal fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach disorders and is also used as a remedy for indigestion, anthelmintic, rheumatism, and joint pain.

A lot of [the] The healing properties of coriander can be attributed to its special phytonutrients and therefore, it is often referred to as [a] storehouse of biologically active compounds. “

Areas of use for Coriandum sativum listed by the American Botanical Council include:²¹

• Abdominal pain and nausea
• Complaints of indigestion (digestive)
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal complaints such as discomfort, bloating, and discomfort (cramps or cramps in the intestines or stomach)
• Constipation

However, another paper,²² “Coriander – Culinary herb or miracle medicinal plant?” published in Alternative and Complementary Therapies, cites research showing coriander to be helpful in treating:

“… Digestive disorders, respiratory and urinary disorders, anxiety and insomnia, allergies, amoebic dysentery, burns, cough, cystitis, dizziness, edema, hay fever, headache, hemorrhoids, rash, urethritis, urinary tract infections, hives and vomiting. In Morocco, coriander is used to treat… diabetes and dyslipidemia.”

Why some people can’t stand the taste of cilantro

Coriander tends to be loved or hated. People who can’t stand it will often say it tastes like soap, and researchers investigating the matter have discovered there is a genetic component.^23,24 responsible for this different taste experience. I happen to be one of those people who just can’t stand it.

As reported by HuffPost,²⁵ Scientists have determined that people who hate coriander have the olfactory and taste receptor genes “for the smell of chemical aldehydes” found in both coriander and soap.

Search²⁶ published in Flavor magazine claimed 21% of East Asians, 17% of Caucasians, 14% of Africans, 7% of South Asians, 4% of Hispanics and 3% of Middle Easterners dislike coriander.

Guide to Buying, Storing and Using Coriander

If you like the taste of coriander, you’re in luck, as it has many health benefits. For the richest flavor experience and to avoid pesticide residue, choose organic coriander. Look for fresh cilantro with bright green leaves, with no signs of spoilage or yellowing.

Fresh cilantro can last up to a week in the refrigerator and possibly even longer if you follow the storage tips outlined by The Spruce:²⁷

• Place the fresh stem in a cup of water, cover the opening with a plastic bag; keep cold.
• Change the water in the glass every two to three days.
• Wash the leaves just before use. Washing before storing will accelerate spoilage, causing the leaves to turn a slimy green color.

To prepare coriander for cooking, make sure the leaves are dry and have a sharp porcelain knife ready. The book, “Rick Bayless Mexico Kitchen,” suggests the following steps for chopping coriander:²⁸

Avoid using dull knives or cutting too much cilantro as this can “bruise” the herb and cause its flavor to spill over to the cutting board. Ideally, try adding cilantro raw or near the end of the cooking process. The leaves are very delicate, so adding coriander last will preserve its delicate flavor and texture. Coriander can retain its own flavor and does not require any additional flavoring.

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