ESCOP monographs The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Coriandri aetheroleum (Coriander oil). Exeter: ESCOP; 2026.
Coriandri aetheroleum
Coriander oil
Coriandrum sativum L.
Published: November 2026
PDF, 10 pages
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Summary
Herbal drug definition
Coriander oil consists of the essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the fruits of Coriandrum sativum L.
Main characteristic constituents
To comply with the European Pharmacopoeia the oil must contain
• α-pinene (3-7%)
• limonene (1.5-5%)
• γ-terpinene (1.5-8%)
• p-cymene (0.5-4%)
• camphor (3-6%)
• linalool (65-78%)
• α-terpineol (0.1-1.5%)
• geranyl acetate (0.5-4%)
• geraniol (0.5-3%)
These constituents are considered relevant to the pharmacological profile of the herbal drug, although their individual contribution to the clinical effects has not been fully established.
Therapeutic indications
According to the ESCOP monograph, coriander oil is used in the following complaints:
Internal use: Diarrhea and dyspepsia. In this context, the herbal drug is mainly considered for its traditional use in supporting digestive functions.
External use: Fungal infections of the skin
Administration and clinical use aspects
The ESCOP monograph provides information on the practical and clinical use of coriander oil, including:
• Posology:
Adult daily dosage: up to 5.0 g of drug in divided doses
Children from 10 to 16 years: 3 g daily
Children from 4 to 10 years: 2 g daily
Children from 1 to 4 years: 1 g daily
• Duration of use:
No restriction
• Contra-indications:
None known
• Special warnings/precautions:
Coriander oil possesses a weak potential for sensitization
• Interactions with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction:
None known
• Use in pregnancy and lactation:
No data available
• Undesirable effects:
Coriander oil is known to give rise to allergic reactions
• Overdose:
No cases reported
Pharmacological evidence
In vitro experiments
In vitro studies with coriander oil or its constituents have reported several biological activities, including:
• Anti-bacterial activity
• Anti-fungal activity
• Anti-inflammatory activity
These findings help to describe possible mechanisms of action, but they should not be interpreted as direct evidence of clinical efficacy in humans
In vivo experiments
In vivo studies with coriander oil or its extracts have described:
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Anti-hyperglycaemic properties
• Cognition-enhancing properties
These experimental findings support further investigation of the herbal drug, but their translation into clinical practice requires caution
Pharmacological studies in humans
Human pharmacological studies have mainly investigated effects related to skin protective effects, including:
• Reduction of erythema
• Anti-inflammatory effects
The available human data are relevant to the traditional use of the herbal drug in skin infections, but should be considered limited in scope.
Clinical studies
A clinical study has investigated effects on tinea pedis and shown an improvement of clinical signs.
The available clinical data are relevant to the traditional use of the herbal drug in fungal infections of the skin, but should be considered limited in scope.
Safety data
Preclinical safety data for coriander oil have been assessed in toxicity studies.
The allergic potential of the herbal drug has also been evaluated in patch tests in humans.
As with other herbal drugs, attention should be paid to patients with known hypersensitivity, patients with hepatobiliary disorders and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Clinical interpretation
• Coriander oil is mainly relevant for fungal infections of the skin as well as diarrhea and dyspepsia;
• experimental pharmacological findings should be distinguished from established therapeutic indications;
• safety, contraindications, possible interactions and duration of use must be considered before recommendation;
• persistent, severe or unexplained symptoms require medical assessment.
Literature selection
The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at bringing together relevant information about the possible physiological roles of coriander oil and its major constituents.
Keywords:
- Coriandri aetheroleum;
- coriander oil;
- Coriandrum sativum L.;
- diarrhea;
- dyspepsia;
- fungal infections of the skin;
- tinea pedis.