Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a popular herb for cooking and as garnish all around the world. This herb can provide a burst of flavor and an aroma that sends you straight to the Mediterranean. But, did you know that this widely used herb can also act as a natural remedy for lead poisoning?

Studies show that coriander can naturally chelate lead from the body. This, in turn, provides protection for the liver, as well as reduces the lead concentration.

Coriander against lead poisoning

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is one of the oldest spice crops in the world, and has been used in folk medicine as a means to relieve flatulence, spasms, and increase breast milk production. While it was believed that coriander possesses potent chelating properties, there was not enough evidence to support it until recent times.

Researchers from the Juarez University of the State of Durango and Autonomous University of Coahuila in Mexico looked into the chelating effect of coriander extract on Wistar rats poisoned with lead. These rates were intoxicated with about 50 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of lead acetate before being treated with 50 mg/kg of extract.

From the results, the researchers found that cilantro or coriander can be a promising agent for chelation, particularly for heavy metals like lead. Lead poisoning occurs when there is an excessive build-up of lead in the body. Children below six years old are significantly vulnerable to the harmful effects of this type of poisoning as it could affect their mental and physical health.

The results of the experiment revealed that the group that received methanol extract displayed significant improvement in the levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in comparison with the control group. This is essential because intoxication with lead causes anemia, which is seen in a reduction of hemoglobin. Furthermore, results showed that lead concentration in treatment groups were reduced compared to the control group.

In conclusion, extracts of cilantro provide protection for the liver and decrease levels of lead concentration in rats poisoned with lead.

More health benefits of coriander

Other than protecting your body from lead poisoning, coriander can provide a number of other benefits that improve overall health. Here are a few of them:

1. Improves heart health. Studies have shown that coriander can lower heart disease risk factors like LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. In addition, a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that coriander extract can also act as a diuretic, which can reduce hypertension.
2. Boosts brain health. Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are often associated with inflammation. Thankfully, coriander harbors anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your brain from the onset of these diseases.
3. Promotes digestion and heart health. Essential oils from coriander seeds harbor components like borneol and linalool which assist in digestion and improves liver function. Coriander extract can also be used as an appetite stimulant.
4. Protects the skin. Coriander can also provide plenty of benefits for your skin. One study published in The Malaysian Journal of Medical Science found that coriander extract can be used alongside other compounds to soothe rashes.
5. Very easy to add to your diet. All parts of C. sativum are edible, making it very simple to add to your diet. Whole coriander seeds can be used in baked goods, barbecue rubs and soups. Meanwhile, coriander leaves — the part everyone calls cilantro — is best used as a garnish for a variety of dishes ranging from pasta to salads.

Learn of other herbs with powerful cleansing properties like coriander at Herbs.news.

Sources:

Journals.SFU.ca^[PDF]

WHO.int

Healthline.com

ScienceDirect.com

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com

OrganicFacts.net

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

Journal.USM.my ^[PDF]