Do Coriander Leaves Cause Uric Acid? Debunking the Myth

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Uric acid, a waste product from purine breakdown, can crystallize in joints and cause gout, affecting millions of people annually. Far from being a cause, research shows that coriander leaves actually contain compounds that can help manage and reduce uric acid levels in the body.

Quick Summary

This article explores the myth surrounding coriander and uric acid, revealing scientific evidence that cilantro aids in lowering uric acid levels by inhibiting a key enzyme and acting as a diuretic.

Key Points

Debunks a Common Myth: Coriander leaves do not cause high uric acid; they actually help lower it through natural mechanisms.
Inhibits Uric Acid Production: Coriander contains compounds like quercetin that inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme, directly reducing uric acid formation.
Promotes Kidney Function: The herb acts as a mild diuretic, helping the kidneys flush out excess toxins and uric acid through increased urine flow.
Offers Anti-inflammatory Benefits: The potent antioxidants in coriander help combat the painful inflammation often associated with high uric acid and gout.
Safe for Low-Purine Diets: Coriander leaves are naturally low in purines, making them a safe and healthy addition to a diet designed to manage uric acid.
Enhances Flavors Healthily: Using coriander as a garnish or in a chutney adds flavor to food without contributing to a high purine load.
Consult a Doctor for CKD: Individuals with chronic kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before increasing coriander intake due to potassium content.

Understanding Uric Acid and Purines

Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in the human body. Purines are natural compounds found in all body cells and in most foods. Typically, the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood, and it is eliminated through urine. However, when the body either produces too much uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it efficiently, levels can build up in the blood, a condition known as hyperuricemia. This excess can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can cause the painful arthritis known as gout, or contribute to kidney stone formation. Foods high in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, and some seafood, are known to increase uric acid levels.

The Truth About Coriander and Uric Acid

Contrary to some misconceptions, coriander leaves do not increase uric acid. In fact, numerous studies and traditional remedies suggest the herb has a beneficial effect on uric acid management. The key lies in the phytochemicals present in coriander, which act on the body's metabolic processes in a positive way. Coriander leaves contain powerful antioxidants like quercetin and rutin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and uric-acid-lowering effects.

How Coriander Helps Reduce Uric Acid

Coriander's effectiveness comes from several mechanisms:

Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition: The primary way coriander aids in uric acid control is by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase. This enzyme is crucial in the pathway that converts purines into uric acid. By blocking its activity, coriander directly reduces the production of uric acid in the body, which is the same mechanism used by certain conventional gout medications like allopurinol.
Diuretic Properties: Coriander leaves act as a natural diuretic, which helps increase the frequency and volume of urination. This encourages the kidneys to flush out more toxins and excess uric acid from the bloodstream, preventing its buildup.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: High uric acid levels are associated with inflammation, particularly in gout attacks. The antioxidants and other compounds in coriander have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate the painful inflammation caused by uric acid crystal deposits in the joints.
Low Purine Content: As a leafy green, coriander is naturally low in purines, making it a safe and healthy addition to a low-purine diet. Including it in your meals allows you to add flavor and nutrients without contributing to the body's purine load.

Incorporating Coriander into Your Diet

There are several simple ways to add this beneficial herb to your daily routine:

Herbal Tea: A popular Ayurvedic remedy involves soaking coriander seeds in water overnight. You can also boil coriander leaves to make a decoction. Drinking this liquid on an empty stomach can help detoxify the system.
Fresh Garnish: Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) make an excellent garnish for a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and curries.
Juice or Smoothie: Blend fresh coriander leaves with other low-purine vegetables like cucumber, celery, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing and detoxifying drink.
Chutney: Coriander chutney, a staple in many cuisines, is a flavorful way to consume the herb. It pairs well with many meals and snacks.

Comparison of Purine Content: Coriander vs. Common Foods

To put coriander's low purine content into perspective, here's a comparison table featuring some common high-purine foods. Purine content is typically measured in milligrams per 100 grams.


Food Item	Purine Content (mg/100g)	Notes
Coriander Leaves	Low (<50)	Safe for a low-purine diet.
Organ Meats (e.g., Liver)	High (>300)	Should be avoided or limited.
Sardines	Very High (>300)	High purine seafood to limit.
Beef	High (100-200)	Moderation is key.
Spinach	Moderate (approx. 57)	Can be eaten in moderation, cooked.
Cauliflower	Moderate (approx. 50)	Can be eaten in moderation.

Note: Individual food composition may vary, and these are approximate values for comparison.

Considerations for Kidney Health

For most healthy individuals, adding coriander to the diet is a safe and healthy practice. Its diuretic effect can support normal kidney function by helping to flush out waste. However, individuals with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) should exercise caution due to the herb's potassium content. People with CKD may struggle to excrete excess potassium, so they should consult their nephrologist or dietitian before significantly increasing their coriander intake. For those with healthy kidneys, the benefits of coriander in managing uric acid and supporting kidney health are well-documented.

Conclusion

The idea that coriander leaves cause high uric acid is a misconception. Scientific research and traditional health practices show that coriander, or cilantro, is a beneficial herb for managing and even helping to lower uric acid levels. Its ability to inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme, coupled with its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, makes it a valuable addition to a diet aimed at preventing hyperuricemia and related conditions like gout. While not a replacement for medical treatment, incorporating coriander as part of a balanced, low-purine diet, along with staying well-hydrated and managing weight, can be a proactive step toward better uric acid management. For personalized advice, always consult a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

For more detailed research on the protective effects of coriander, you can review studies published on the National Institutes of Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, coriander leaves are naturally very low in purines, which are the compounds that break down into uric acid. This makes them a safe and healthy addition to a diet focused on managing uric acid levels.

Coriander helps lower uric acid through several mechanisms: it contains compounds that inhibit the xanthine oxidase enzyme responsible for uric acid production and it has diuretic properties that help flush excess uric acid from the body.

Yes, drinking a decoction made from boiled coriander seeds or leaves is a popular traditional remedy for managing high uric acid levels. It is believed to have detoxifying and diuretic effects.

Yes, in the United States, the leaves of the Coriandrum sativum plant are known as cilantro, while the seeds are called coriander. In many other parts of the world, both the leaves and seeds are referred to as coriander.

For most people, coriander is safe when consumed in food amounts. However, some people may be allergic to it. Individuals with chronic kidney disease should consume it in moderation and consult a doctor, as excessive amounts could impact potassium levels.

While coriander cannot cure gout, its anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate some of the inflammation and discomfort associated with gout attacks. It is important to continue any prescribed medical treatment.

Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme in the body that helps convert purines into uric acid. By inhibiting this enzyme, coriander can reduce the overall production of uric acid, which is beneficial for managing conditions like gout.