The fruit of Coriandrum sativum Linne (nat. ord. Umbelliferae).

Habitat

Central Asia and Southern Europe; cultivated.

Characters

Globular; about 4 mm. in diameter; crowned with the calyx-teeth and stylopod; brownish yellow, with slight, longitudinal ridges; the two mericarps cohering, enclosing a lenticular cavity, and each furnished on the face with two oil-tubes; odor and taste agreeably aromatic

Composition

The chief constituent is the official volatile oil (see below).

Dose, 10 to 30 gr.; .60 to 2.00 gm.

Oleum Coriandri. Oil Of Coriander

A volatile oil distilled from Coriander.

Characters

A colorless or slightly yellowish liquid, having the characteristic, aromatic odor of Coriander, and a warm, spicy taste. Sp. gr., 0.870 to 0.885.

Composition

1) Pinene, the chief terpene of Oil of Turpentine, 5 per cent. (2) Coriandrol, C10H18O, which is isomeric with Borneo Camphor (q. v.).

Oil of Coriander is contained in Syrupus Sennae, Confectio Sennae, and Spiritus Aurantii Compositus.

Dose, 2 to 5 m.; .12 to .30 c.c.

Action And Therapeutics Of Coriander

Oil of coriander has the same action as other volatile oils. It is chiefly used as a stomachic and carminative, and to disguise the taste of rhubarb and senna.