Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Coriander vs Midland Hawthorn
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Coriander and Midland Hawthorn: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), menstrual cramps, …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Coriander | Midland Hawthorn | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Muscle spasm | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Seed essential oil dominated by linalool, giving the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial and carminative activity.
Antioxidant flavonoids and phenolics, notably quercetin derivatives, identified across leaf and seed extracts.
The principal cardioactive and antioxidant constituents, the basis for extract standardisation.
Additional antioxidant constituents of the flower, leaf and fruit.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
• Food use is generally safe for most people (leaf in salads, seed as spice) (Burdock & Carabin, 2009). • Allergy is the main “big warning.” Coriander can trigger reactions ranging from mild oral itching to more serious allergy in sensitive people, especially those with pollen allergies (e.g., birch/mugwort) or other Apiaceae spice allergies (Thermo Fisher/Phadia, n.d.; Berghea et al., 2025). • If you use supplements (capsules/powder) and you take diabetes medication, be cautious: coriander seed powder has shown blood-sugar improvements in a small human trial, so it may add to the effect of glucose-lowering meds (Zamany et al., 2025). • Essential oil is not the same as the spice. Coriander essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be taken internally in “DIY doses.” It can be irritating, and safety data are discussed mainly for food-flavouring levels—not self-prescribed medicinal dosing (Burdock & Carabin, 2009). • Pregnancy / breastfeeding: normal culinary amounts are generally considered fine; “medicinal-dose” supplements or essential oil are best avoided unless guided by a qualified professional because safety data at higher doses is limited (Burdock & Carabin, 2009).
Duke (2002) provides clinical evidence (score 2) for coriander's role as an aperitif (appetite stimulant) and digestive tonic, consistent with Commission E approval. It demonstrates antispasmodic, carminative, and antifungal activities at the experimental level. Dose: 1–3 g crushed fruits (seeds) three times daily, or equivalent preparations. Duke notes mild hypoglycemic activity and a potential antiimplantation effect in high doses — use with caution in women attempting pregnancy (Duke, 2002).
Generally safe and well tolerated. High doses may cause low blood pressure and sedation. May interact with cardiac glycosides (digoxin) and antihypertensive drugs. Consult a physician before using with existing heart medications.
Duke (2002) rates hawthorn (Crataegus spp., including C. laevigata) as a triple-plus herb (+++) with Commission E approval (score 2-3) for decreasing cardiac output in functional Stage II heart insufficiency (NYHA). Clinical evidence supports hawthorn standardized extracts (80-500 mg, standardized to flavonoids or procyanidins) for angina, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Hawthorn may potentiate digitalis and other cardiac medications and is not considered suitable for self-medication without professional guidance (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Slender annual herb with delicate, broad, lobed lower leaves and finely divided, feathery upper leaves - a marked contrast within the same plant. Small white or pale pink flowers are borne in flat compound umbels, followed by round, ridged, aromatic seeds. The fresh leaf ('cilantro') has a distinctive citrusy aroma, often described as soapy by those with a genetic sensitivity to it.[4]
Small deciduous tree or large shrub with thorny branches and glossy, shallowly lobed leaves (less deeply cut than common hawthorn). Clusters of small, five-petalled white (occasionally pink) flowers with a strong scent appear in spring, followed by small red berries (haws), each usually containing two seeds (nutlets).[1]
Habitat
Believed native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia; cultivated worldwide as a culinary herb and spice crop on well-drained, sunny sites.[4]
Grows in woodland, woodland edges, hedgerows and scrub, typically on richer, damper soils than common hawthorn; native to western and central Europe.[1]
Harvesting
Leaves are picked fresh through the growing season, before the plant bolts (flowers), when the flavour is best; the seed is harvested in late summer once the umbels have browned and dried, then threshed; the root can be dug at the same time as young leaves.
Flowers are picked as they open in spring, leaves are picked with the young flowering shoots, and the ripe red berries (haws) are gathered in autumn; all three parts are used, often combined, in hawthorn preparations.[1]
Traditional Uses
Coriander seed and leaf have a very long culinary and medicinal history across the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia as a digestive carminative for indigestion, bloating and cramping, and, more recently, studied for calming/anxiolytic effects on the central nervous system alongside cardiovascular and metabolic benefits.[1, 4]
Hawthorn flower, leaf and berry have a long European tradition, and substantial modern clinical study, as a cardiovascular tonic - supporting heart function, mild circulatory complaints and calming nervous tension - reflected in its traditional use for 'heart strengthening' and its modern standing as a well-studied botanical for mild heart failure symptoms.[1]
Preparations
Seed powder or extract studied for glycaemic and psychiatric-symptom support in clinical and preclinical work.
Leaf-and-flower extract standardised to flavonoid or oligomeric proanthocyanidin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Dosage
Not documented
The EU herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore gives dry extracts in divided daily doses of 240-900 mg (single dose 80-450 mg) or, for one quantified extract, 570-1750 mg daily (single dose 190-350 mg), in adults and elderly. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a doctor should be consulted, and hawthorn is never used as a substitute for prescribed heart medication without medical supervision. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the comminuted leaf and flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily (maximum 6 g daily), in adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Santibáñez, A., Jiménez-Ferrer, E., Angulo-Bejarano, P.I., Sharma, A. and Herrera-Ruiz, M (2023) 'Coriandrum sativum and Its Utility in Psychiatric Disorders', Molecules, 28(14), pp. 5314. doi:10.3390/molecules28145314 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145314 - Wei, J.N., Liu, Z.H., Zhao, Y.P., Zhao, L.L. et al (2019) 'Phytochemical and bioactive profile of Coriandrum sativum L', Food Chemistry, 286, pp. 260-267. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.01.171 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.01.171 - Hosseini, M., Boskabady, M.H. and Khazdair, M.R (2021) 'Neuroprotective effects of Coriandrum sativum and its constituent, linalool: A review', Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 11(5), pp. 436-450. doi:10.22038/AJP.2021.55681.2786 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.22038/AJP.2021.55681.2786 - Mahleyuddin, N.N., Moshawih, S., Ming, L.C., Zulkifly, H.H., Kifli, N. and Loy, M.J (2021) 'Coriandrum sativum L.: A Review on Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Cardiovascular Benefits', Molecules, 27(1), pp. 209. doi:10.3390/molecules27010209 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010209 - Prachayasittikul, V., Prachayasittikul, S., Ruchirawat, S. and Prachayasittikul, V (2017) 'Coriander (Coriandrum sativum): A promising functional food toward the well-being', Food Research International, 105, pp. 305-323. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.019 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2017.11.019 - Laribi, B., Kouki, K., M'Hamdi, M. and Bettaieb, T (2015) 'Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents', Fitoterapia, 103, pp. 9-26. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.03.012 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2015.03.012 - Sahib, N.G., Anwar, F., Gilani, A.H., Hamid, A.A., Saari, N. and Alkharfy, K.M (2012) 'Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.): a potential source of high-value components for functional foods and nutraceuticals - a review', Phytotherapy Research, 27(10), pp. 1439-1456. doi:10.1002/ptr.4897 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4897 - Scandar, S., Zadra, C. and Marcotullio, M.C (2023) 'Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Polyphenols and Their Nutraceutical Value against Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome', Molecules, 28(10), pp. 4187. doi:10.3390/molecules28104187 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28104187 - Al-Khayri, J.M., Banadka, A., Nandhini, M., Nagella, P., Al-Mssallem, M.Q. and Alessa, F.M (2023) 'Coriandrum sativum Essential Oil: A review on Its Phytochemistry and Biological Activity', Molecules, 28(2), pp. 696. doi:10.3390/molecules28020696 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020696 - Kukner, A., Soyler, G., Toros, P., Dede, G., Mericli, F. and Isik, S (2020) 'Protective effect of Coriandrum sativum extract against inflammation and apoptosis in liver ischaemia/reperfusion injury', Folia Morphologica, 80(2), pp. 363-371. doi:10.5603/FM.a2020.0060 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5603/FM.a2020.0060 - Liu, Q.F., Jeong, H., Lee, J.H., Hong, Y.K., Oh, Y. and Kim, Y.M (2016) 'Coriandrum sativum Suppresses Abeta42-Induced ROS Increases, Glial Cell Proliferation, and ERK Activation', American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 44(7), pp. 1325-1347. doi:10.1142/S0192415X16500749 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X16500749 - Koppula, S., Alluri, R. and Kopalli, S.R (2021) 'Coriandrum sativum attenuates microglia mediated neuroinflammation and MPTP-induced behavioral and oxidative changes in Parkinson's disease mouse model', EXCLI Journal, 20, pp. 835-850. doi:10.17179/excli2021-3668 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2021-3668 - Laribi, B., Kouki, K., M'Hamdi, M. and Bettaieb, T (2015) 'Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its bioactive constituents', pp. 9--26. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Coriander%20%28Coriandrum%20sativum%20L.%29%20and%20its%20bioactive%20constituents - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - World Health Organization (1999) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 - King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock - Grow Forage Cook Ferment 'Poison Hemlock: How to Identify and Potential Look-alikes'. Available at: https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/ Traditional / reference
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/poison-hemlock/ - Teuscher, E. and Greger, H. and Adrian, V (1990) 'Toxicity of Aethusa cynapium L. (fool's parsley)', Pharmazie, 45(7), pp. 537-8. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2236201/ Preclinical
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2236201/ - Minnesota Wildflowers (2024) 'Aethusa cynapium (Fool's Parsley)'. Available at: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/fools-parsley Traditional / reference
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/fools-parsley - Botanical Society of Scotland (2023) 'Plant of the Week: Fool's Parsley (Aethusa cynapium)'. Available at: https://botsoc.scot/2023/08/20/plant-of-the-week-21st-august-2023-fools-parsley-aethusa-cynapium/ Traditional / reference
https://botsoc.scot/2023/08/20/plant-of-the-week-21st-august-2023-fools-parsley-aethusa-cynapium/
- Fong, H.H.S. and Bauman, J.L (2002) 'Hawthorn', Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 16(4), pp. 1-8. doi:10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1097/00005082-200207000-00002 - Orhan, I.E (2018) 'Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activity Profile of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Hawthorn) - A Cardiotonic Herb', Current Medicinal Chemistry, 25(37), pp. 4854-4865. doi:10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160919095519 - Ahmadipour, B., Kalantar, M., Abaszadeh, S. and Hassanpour, H (2024) 'Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic effects of hawthorn extract (Crataegus oxyacantha) in broiler chickens', Veterinary Medicine and Science, 10(3), pp. e1414. doi:10.1002/vms3.1414 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1414 - Rigelsky, J.M. and Sweet, B.V (2002) 'Hawthorn: pharmacology and therapeutic uses', American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 59(5), pp. 417-422. doi:10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/59.5.417 - Saeedi, G., Jeivad, F., Goharbari, M., Gheshlaghi, G.H. and Sabzevari, O (2018) 'Ethanol Extract of Crataegus Oxyacantha L. Ameliorate Dietary Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rat', Drug Research, 68(10), pp. 553-559. doi:10.1055/a-0579-7532 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0579-7532 - Mecheri, A., Benabderrahmane, W., Amrani, A., Boubekri, N., Benayache, F., Benayache, S. and Zama, D (2019) 'Hepatoprotective Effects of Algerian Crataegus oxyacantha Leaves', Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture, 10(1), pp. 70-75. doi:10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/2212798410666180730095456 - Benabderrahmane, W., Lores, M., Benaissa, O., Lamas, J.P., de Miguel, T., Amrani, A., Benayache, F. and Benayache, S (2019) 'Polyphenolic content and bioactivities of Crataegus oxyacantha L. (Rosaceae)', Natural Product Research, 35(4), pp. 627-632. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1582044 - Ali, M., Muhammad, S., Shah, M.R., Khan, A., Rashid, U., Farooq, U., Ullah, F., Sadiq, A., Ayaz, M., Ali, M., Ahmad, M. and Latif, A (2017) 'Neurologically Potent Molecules from Crataegus oxyacantha; Isolation, Anticholinesterase Inhibition, and Molecular Docking', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 8, pp. 327. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00327 - Cuevas-Duran, R.E., Medrano-Rodriguez, J.C., Sanchez-Aguilar, M., Soria-Castro, E., Rubio-Ruiz, M.E., Del Valle-Mondragon, L., Sanchez-Mendoza, A., Torres-Narvaez, J.C., Pastelin-Hernandez, G. and Ibarra-Lara, L (2017) 'Extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha and Rosmarinus officinalis Attenuate Ischemic Myocardial Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Regulating the Production of Cardiac Vasoactive Agents', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(11), pp. 2412. doi:10.3390/ijms18112412 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18112412 - Alp, H., Soner, B.C., Baysal, T. and Sahin, A.S (2014) 'Protective effects of Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) extract against digoxin-induced arrhythmias in rats', Anatolian Journal of Cardiology, 15(12), pp. 970-975. doi:10.5152/akd.2014.5869 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5152/akd.2014.5869 - Rothfuss, M.A., Pascht, U. and Kissling, G (2001) 'Effect of long-term application of Crataegus oxyacantha on ischemia and reperfusion induced arrhythmias in rats', Arzneimittel-Forschung, 51(1), pp. 24-28. doi:10.1055/s-0031-1299998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1299998 - Khan, A., Akram, M., Thiruvengadam, M., Daniyal, M., Zakki, S.A., Munir, N., Zainab, R., Heydari, M., Mosavat, S.H., Rebezov, M. and Shariati, M.A (2022) 'Anti-anxiety Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 23(8), pp. 1041-1060. doi:10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201022666210122125131 - Rastogi, S., Pandey, M.M. and Rawat, A.K.S (2015) 'Traditional herbs: a remedy for cardiovascular disorders', Phytomedicine, 23(11), pp. 1082-1089. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2015.10.012 - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Crataegus%20spp.%2C%20folium%20cum%20flore - Hendel, N. and Hendel, M (2014) 'Hedgerow Medicine'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hedgerow%20Medicine - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hawthorn%20extract%20for%20treating%20chronic%20heart%20failure - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Tankanow, R., Tamer, H.R., Streetman, D.S., Smith, S.G., Welton, J.L., Annesley, T., Aaronson, K.D. and Bleske, B.E (2003) 'Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)', Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(6), pp. 637-642. doi:10.1177/0091270003253417 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270003253417 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.