Abstract

DHANYAKA (CORIANDRUM SATIVUM LINN.) IN AYURVEDA: CLASSICAL UNDERSTANDING AND CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

*Dr. Sreelakshmy K., Dr. Nimitha Benny, Dr. Vishnu Darsan, Dr. Govind Rag P., Prof. A. K. Singh

Abstract

Background: Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum Linn., Family: Apiaceae) is a widely used culinary and medicinal herb valued in Ayurveda for its Trishnanigrahana, Sitaprasamana, Dipana- Pachana, and Mutrala, Jwarahara properties. It is employed in dry, fresh, and leafy forms for various therapeutic purposes. Objective: This review aims to present a comprehensive understanding of Dhanyaka through classical Ayurvedic references and to correlate its traditional uses with contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological findings. Materials and Methods: Classical information was compiled from Brihattrayi and major Nighantus. Modern data were collected from electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) and peer-reviewed journals to document phytochemical constituents and experimentally validated pharmacological activities. Results: Dhanyaka is mentioned in several Ayurvedic groups including Trishnanigrahana and Sitaprasamana Mahakashayas, indicating its role in alleviating thirst, heat, and digestive disorders. Its Rasa Panchaka mainly Kashaya, Tikta, and Madhura Rasa with Laghu, Snigdha Guna and Ushna or Sheeta Virya supports its Tridoshahara and Agnikrit properties. Phytochemical studies reveal that C. sativum contains linalool, flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, carotenoids, fatty acids, and sterols as major bioactive constituents. Modern pharmacological investigations confirm its antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antioxidant, cardioprotective, antibacterial, antiulcer, diuretic, immunomodulatory, antiaging, antidiabetic, and antiemetic effects, validating its traditional therapeutic claims and broad pharmacological spectrum. Conclusion: The strong correlation between Ayurvedic concepts and scientific evidence establishes Dhanyaka as a multipotent herb with proven activity in gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune disorders. Further studies focusing on standardization, dosage optimization, and clinical evaluation will strengthen its evidence-based integration into Ayurvedic and modern healthcare systems.

Keywords: Dhanyaka, Coriandrum sativum Linn., Ayurveda, pharmacology, phytochemistry, Tridoshahara.