Herb & supplement monograph

Cilantro Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cilantro interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cilantro is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cilantro is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Cilantro Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Cilantro drug interaction appears low for most people. No interactions are rated major, and the concerns that do exist rest on lab research rather than studies in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination most worth knowing about involves anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, including aspirin, clopidogrel, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen. Lab studies suggest cilantro extracts may slow platelet clumping, so in theory it could add to bleeding risk with these blood thinners, though this has not been shown in humans. The other flagged group is photosensitizing drugs, such as certain antibiotics and amitriptyline, where a cilantro compound might make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Both concerns are theoretical, but they matter more if bleeding risk or sun sensitivity is already a concern for you.

What the rest of the list means

Although cilantro is linked to a long list of medications, that list comes from just two theoretical concerns spread across hundreds of drugs. Both are based on lab findings that have not been confirmed in people, so most of these combinations may never cause a real-world problem, especially with cilantro eaten in normal food amounts.

Check your medications against Cilantro

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Cilantro interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cilantro

434 medications have a known interaction with Cilantro, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Cilantro using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Cilantro interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cilantro combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cilantro affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cilantro is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Cilantro interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsPhotosensitizing Drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

In vitro research suggests that extracts of cilantro can inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, cilantro might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs. Some of these drugs include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Photosensitizing Drugs

Evidence from in vitro research suggests that coriandrin, a constituent of cilantro, has photosensitizing effects. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs might increase photosensitivity. Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), quinolones (Ciprofloxacin, others), sulfa drugs (Septra, Bactrim, others), and tetracycline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Cilantro: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Cilantro is the leafy part of the Coriandrum sativum plant and is widely eaten as a food, where it is considered safe for most people. While it has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in lab studies, strong human evidence for any specific health benefit is lacking, and popular 'detox' claims are not well supported. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated cilantro supplements or essential oil.

Scientific name: Coriandrum sativum
Family: Apiaceae
Part used: Leaves, stems, seeds (coriander), and essential oil
Common forms: Fresh herb, dried herb, seeds, capsules, extracts, essential oil, tea

People commonly use it for

Digestive upset and bloating
Antimicrobial support
Antioxidant support
Heavy metal 'detox' (chelation) claims
Culinary flavoring

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallLikely safe

Cilantro is generally safe when eaten as a food, but concentrated supplements are less studied.

PregnancyUse caution

Food amounts are likely fine, but medicinal or supplement doses lack safety data and should be avoided.

BreastfeedingUse caution

Food amounts are likely fine, but there is not enough information on concentrated supplements.

Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Cilantro is the fresh leaf and stem of the Coriandrum sativum plant, a member of the carrot and parsley family. The seeds of the same plant are known as coriander. The plant grows in many parts of the world and has long been used in Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian cooking.

People use cilantro mostly as a fresh herb to flavor food. It is also sold in supplement forms such as capsules, liquid extracts, teas, and essential oil. Traditionally, it has been used to ease digestion and as a general tonic, but most of its long history is as a food rather than a medicine.

Uses & effectiveness

Cilantro is popular for many health reasons, but the scientific evidence behind most of these uses is limited or preliminary. Much of what we know comes from laboratory or animal studies, not large, high-quality human trials.

Digestive comfort: Cilantro and coriander have been used traditionally to ease gas, bloating, and upset stomach. Human evidence is weak.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant effects: Test-tube studies show cilantro extracts and oil can slow the growth of some bacteria and act as antioxidants. Whether this helps the body when you eat it is unclear.
Heavy metal 'detox' or chelation: This is a very popular claim, but it is mostly based on a few animal studies and is not proven in humans. Do not rely on cilantro to remove heavy metals from your body.
Blood sugar and cholesterol: Some animal research suggests possible effects, but human data are not strong enough to recommend it for these uses.

In short, cilantro is a healthy food, but it should not be used as a treatment for any specific disease based on current evidence.

How it works

Cilantro contains a mix of plant compounds, including antioxidants such as vitamin C, certain flavonoids, and aromatic oils like linalool. These compounds may help neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals.

In laboratory studies, cilantro extracts and essential oil can interfere with the growth of some bacteria and fungi. Some animal studies suggest possible effects on blood sugar, cholesterol, or binding to certain metals. It is important to know that these are early findings, often at high concentrations or in animals, and may not happen the same way in people who simply eat the herb.

Safety & precautions

For most people, eating cilantro as part of food is very safe. Concentrated supplements, extracts, and essential oils are less studied, so use more caution with these.

People who are allergic to plants in the carrot/parsley family (such as celery, fennel, dill, or anise) may be more likely to react to cilantro. Cilantro essential oil should never be swallowed undiluted, as concentrated oils can be irritating or toxic.

Pregnancy: Eating cilantro in normal food amounts is likely fine, but medicinal or supplement doses have not been well studied, so it is best to avoid them. Breastfeeding: Food amounts are likely fine; concentrated supplements lack safety data, so use caution and check with your doctor. Always speak with a pharmacist or doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a health condition.

Side effects

Cilantro rarely causes problems when eaten as food. Some people experience a soapy or unpleasant taste, which is linked to genetics and is not harmful.

Possible side effects include allergic reactions (skin rash, itching, swelling, or rarely trouble breathing), digestive upset, and, in some people, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight after handling the plant. Stop using it and seek medical help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Cilantro: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Cilantro from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Topically, cilantro has been reported to cause contact dermatitis. In sensitive individuals, it has also been reported to cause anaphylaxis.

Reports by condition

Amenorrhea Endocrine

Orally, cilantro extract has been associated with a case of endocrine toxicity. A case report describes severe diarrhea, stomach pain, skin darkness, depressed mood, amenorrhea, and dehydration following consumption of 200 mL of a 10% cilantro extract for 7 days.

Zabihi E, Abdollahi M. Endocrinotoxicity induced by Coriandrum sativa: a case report. WHO Drug Information. 2001;16:15.

Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, cilantro may cause contact dermatitis, with symptoms including hives or itching.

Zuskin, E., Kanceljak, B., Skuric, Z., Pokrajac, D., Schachter, E. N., Witek, T. J., and Maayani, S. Immunological and respiratory findings in spice-factory workers. Environ.Res 1988;47(1):95-108.

Pregnancy-related edema Immunologic

Cilantro can cause anaphylaxis in some patients. One case report describes a 52 year-old man who experienced diffuse urticaria following a single ingestion of cilantro, followed by severe angioedema of the face, urticaria, and laryngeal edema following a second ingestion of cilantro. Treatment consisted of treatment with intravenous methylprednisolone, diphenhydramine, and famotidine.

Unkle DW, Ricketti AJ, Ricketti PA, Cleri DJ, Vernaleo JR. C. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2012;109(6):471-2.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no standardized medicinal dose for cilantro. As a food, it is simply used to taste in cooking, which is considered safe for most people.

For supplements such as capsules, extracts, or teas, follow the directions on the product label, since strengths vary widely between products. Essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be taken by mouth unless directed by a qualified professional. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist or doctor for guidance.

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Cilantro monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Zabihi E, Abdollahi M. Endocrinotoxicity induced by Coriandrum sativa: a case report. WHO Drug Information. 2001;16:15.
Suneetha WJ, Krishnakantha TP. Antiplatelet activity of coriander and curry leaf spices. Pharm Biol. 2005;43(3):230-3. DOI
Ashwood-Smith, M. J., Warrington, P. J., Jenkins, M., Ceska, O., and Romaniuk, P. J. Photobiological properties of a novel, naturally occurring furoisocoumarin, coriandrin. Photochem.Photobiol. 1989;50(6):745-751. PubMed
Zuskin, E., Kanceljak, B., Skuric, Z., Pokrajac, D., Schachter, E. N., Witek, T. J., and Maayani, S. Immunological and respiratory findings in spice-factory workers. Environ.Res 1988;47(1):95-108. PubMed
Unkle DW, Ricketti AJ, Ricketti PA, Cleri DJ, Vernaleo JR. C. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2012;109(6):471-2.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cilantro: Common Questions

Does Cilantro interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 434 medications with a known interaction with Cilantro. Use the checker above to see how Cilantro interacts with a specific drug.

How are Cilantro interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Cilantro with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Cilantro interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

Is Cilantro the same as coriander?

They come from the same plant. In the U.S., 'Cilantro' usually means the fresh leaves and stems, while 'coriander' refers to the dried seeds. In some countries, the leaves are also called coriander.

Does Cilantro really detox heavy metals from the body?

This is a popular claim, but it is mostly based on animal studies and is not proven in humans. Do not rely on Cilantro to remove heavy metals; talk to a doctor if you are concerned about heavy metal exposure.

Why does Cilantro taste like soap to me?

Some people have a gene that makes them more sensitive to certain compounds in Cilantro, giving it a soapy taste. This is harmless and simply a difference in how people perceive flavor.

Is it safe to eat Cilantro while pregnant?

Cilantro in normal food amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, concentrated supplements or essential oils have not been well studied, so it is best to avoid those and check with your doctor.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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