Coriander / Coriandrum sativum

The Basics

What is Coriander / Coriandrum sativum?

Used for upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, bowel spasms, and intestinal gas. Some lactating people use coriander to increase milk flow.

Brand names for Coriander / Coriandrum sativum

N/A

How Coriander / Coriandrum sativum is classified

Complementary Therapies, Food, Galactogogues, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Coriander / Coriandrum sativum During Pregnancy

Coriander / Coriandrum sativum pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Coriander / Coriandrum sativum while pregnant

N/A

Taking Coriander / Coriandrum sativum While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Coriander / Coriandrum sativum?

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds contain a volatile oil, consisting mainly of linalool, which is responsible for its odor and taste. It also contains 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). Coriander is a purported galactogogue, and has been included in some mixtures promoted to increase milk supply;[1][2] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[1] Coriander is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, allergic reactions and photosensitivity have been reported and it can cause contact dermatitis. One case of excessive use possibly caused endocrine disruption in a nursing mother. A woman nursing her 10-month-old infant had drunk 200 mL of about a 10% aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativa (method of verification and possible presence of contaminants not stated) daily for 7 consecutive days to enhance her milk supply when she was admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea and stomach pain. The patient had no abnormal serum or urine tests and recovered with palliative therapy. Fifteen days later the patient was complaining of skin darkness, depressed mood, a loss of body fluids, and amenorrhea, which was diagnosed as an adrenal dysfunction. The patient said that she did not have any history of such a condition. She was treated with adrenocorticoids and an oral contraceptive. She was well and healthy 10 days later.[2] Elevated liver enzymes occurred in a woman taking Mother’s Milk Tea, which contains coriander.[3] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds contain a volatile oil, consisting mainly of linalool, which is responsible for its odor and taste. It also contains 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). Coriander is a purported galactogogue, and has been included in some mixtures promoted to increase milk supply;[1][2] however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[1] Coriander is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, allergic reactions and photosensitivity have been reported and it can cause contact dermatitis. One case of excessive use possibly caused endocrine disruption in a nursing mother. A woman nursing her 10-month-old infant had drunk 200 mL of about a 10% aqueous extract of Coriandrum sativa (method of verification and possible presence of contaminants not stated) daily for 7 consecutive days to enhance her milk supply when she was admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea and stomach pain. The patient had no abnormal serum or urine tests and recovered with palliative therapy. Fifteen days later the patient was complaining of skin darkness, depressed mood, a loss of body fluids, and amenorrhea, which was diagnosed as an adrenal dysfunction. The patient said that she did not have any history of such a condition. She was treated with adrenocorticoids and an oral contraceptive. She was well and healthy 10 days later.[2] Elevated liver enzymes occurred in a woman taking Mother’s Milk Tea, which contains coriander.[3] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Coriander / Coriandrum sativum on milk supply

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible alternatives to Coriander / Coriandrum sativum

None listed