Composition and functionality of coriander fixed oil

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a member of the Umbelliferae/Apiaceae family and is commonly grown worldwide. This plant’s fixed and essential oils are valuable and have been attracting consumers’ interest due to their rich composition including such functional and health-promoting components as fatty acids, phenolic components, tocopherols, sterols, and volatile compounds. Petroselinic acid is the major fatty acid of coriander fixed oil, and linalool is the main part of the volatiles from the essential oil. β-Sitosterol constitutes the main fraction of coriander oil phytosterols. In addition, such minor components as phenolic components and tocopherols are present in coriander with varying concentrations depending on the part of the plant. Due to the benefits of these various functional components, coriander oil is reported to have antioxidant and antiradical activities. This chapter focuses on discussing the composition and the functionality of coriander oil.