Antioxidant and antiarthritic potential of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves

SummaryAimPresent investigation was undertaken to assess the antioxidant and antiarthritic activities of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) leaves in osteoarthritis patients.MethodsThe antioxidant and antiarthritic activities of coriander (C sativum L.) leaves were assessed in vivo by the administration of coriander leaf powder (5 g/day) to selected osteoarthritis patients for 60 days and by the estimation of a number of biochemical and clinical parameters before and after the administration of coriander leaves and by comparing with that of untreated patients.ResultsOxidative stress as shown by increased lipid peroxidation, increased activity of catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes, decreased serum β carotene and vitamin C observed in arthritis patients was countered by coriander leaves in the treated group. In addition, increased activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme i.e. glutathione-S-tranferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content and a significantly decreased activity of alkaline phosphatase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and increased serum calcium levels observed in the treated osteoarthritis patients support the efficacy of the leaves.ConclusionsCoriander leaves significantly influenced almost all the parameters in arthritis patients without any detrimental effects by virtue of a number of phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals present in the leaves having therapeutic effects. The antioxidant and antiarthritic activities exhibited by the leaves are a result of the synergistic action of the bioactive compounds present in the leaves.