Coriandrum Sativum Seeds Improve Memory, Alleviate Anxiety and Depression, and Enhance Sleep Quality in University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum L (C. sativum), is an ancient herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It has a rich history of more than 3,000 years of use in both culinary and medicinal practices. While originally native to Mediterranean regions, coriander is now cultivated in various countries worldwide. In traditional medicine, all parts of the coriander plant have been consumed and utilized to address gastrointestinal ailments like anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, pain, and vomiting. In Jordanian traditional medicine, C. sativum has been valued for its anticonvulsant, antidepressant, sedative, and anxiolytic properties. Studies have reported diverse health benefits associated with C. sativum seeds and leaves, including antioxidant, diuretic, cholesterol-lowering, anxiolytic, sedative-hypnotic, and anticonvulsant activities. Notably, the main component of C. sativum, linalool, along with γ-terpinene and α-pinene, exhibit various neuropharmacological effects, such as anti-anxiety, sedative, anticonvulsant, and anti-Alzheimer's disease properties. Additionally, C. sativum seeds are recognized as a valuable source of vitamins, lipids, and minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and zinc.

Several studies have indicated the positive effects of C. sativum on memory, anxiety, and depression. In a specific study, the aqueous extract derived from the seeds of C. sativum demonstrated significant reductions in monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) activity over time, suggesting its primary role in exerting antidepressant-like effects. Another study reported that the administration of C. sativum leaves improved memory performance and hindered the aging process in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was observed that C. sativum leaves reversed memory impairments induced by scopolamine and diazepam, while also significantly reducing brain cholinesterase activity and serum total cholesterol levels. Another study evaluated the effects of the ethanolic extract of C. sativum seeds on learning in second-generation mice. Although the plant extract did not enhance learning in the short term following training, it did show improvements in long-term learning. Additionally, in an animal model of anxiety, the effects of different doses (10 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally) of the aqueous extract of C. sativum seeds were evaluated in terms of motor activity and neuromuscular function. In the elevated plus-maze test, the 100 mg/kg dose of the seeds' aqueous extract exhibited anxiolytic effects by increasing the time spent in and the number of entries into the open arms.

Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are prevalent among university students, and these conditions can have a considerable impact on their memory function. Consequently, there has been a rise in the use of stimulant drugs among university students as a means to enhance memory performance and attention, despite the fact that such use is unapproved and non-therapeutic which might be associated with several side effects. As a result, there is a growing interest among neuroscience researchers to identify cognitive-enhancing drugs that can be safely used by healthy individuals without adverse effects.

Given the information provided, it is suggested that C. sativum could potentially serve as a memory enhancer for university students. It is considered a preferable option to stimulant drugs due to its safety profile. Additionally, C. sativum may have positive effects on anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. However, it is important to note that the current body of research on the effects of oral C. sativum on the brain and nervous system is limited, and further studies are necessary to fully understand its potential benefits. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of oral C. sativum on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students.