ABSTRACT
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an herb, medicinal plant, and spice that grows annually and belongs to the family Umbelliferae. It was traditionally used all over the globe to alleviate many ailments owing to its richness in phytoconstituents from various classes. Various parts of coriander, including the leaves, fruits, and seeds, showed different medicinal activities such as hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects. The green herb and coriander fruits were used as a spice to treat dyspepsia and trigger loss of appetite; meanwhile, the leaves were used to counteract insomnia and anxiety. The dried fruits are regarded as a source of essential oil and fatty acids commercially adopted in the beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and detergent and fragrance industries. Moreover, they are employed as insecticidal agents, poultry food additives, natural antibiotics, and a good broiler growth promoter. Coriander seeds are recognized by their medicinal values, making them a commonly used component in Ayurvedic medicines. Coriander seeds showed potent sedative-hypnotic activity, decreasing general locomotor activity. In addition, coriander seeds decrease the levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL); in contrast, they significantly elevate the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in vivo. The essential oil extracted from coriander seeds displayed higher antioxidant potential in 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) scavenging capacity assay than other plants. Furthermore, seed essential oil showed a high percentage of camphor and linalool that varies according to the cultivation region. It is worth highlighting that the recent products, oleoresins, and essential oil of coriander seeds are in high demand in the international markets. This chapter will shed light on the non-food applications of coriander seeds including medicinal and non-medicinal applications.
