Does cilantro remove toxins?

In recent years, claims have circulated that cilantro, also known as coriander, can help remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. Proponents argue that cilantro binds to metals like mercury, lead, and aluminum in the digestive tract, allowing them to be excreted rather than absorbed. While an intriguing concept, does the science actually support using cilantro as a detoxification agent?

Overview of Cilantro

Cilantro refers to the leaves and stems of the Coriandrum sativum plant, which is part of the parsley family. Sometimes called Chinese parsley, it is a popular herb used in many cuisines around the world. Cilantro has a bright, citrus-like flavor that adds freshness to dishes. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C, as well as magnesium, manganese, and iron.

In addition to its use as a spice and garnish, cilantro has a long history of medicinal use. Traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine practices utilized cilantro to aid digestion. Some modern herbalists recommend cilantro tea or extracts to relieve gas, bloating, and other minor digestive complaints. Cilantro is also applied topically as an antiseptic for wounds in some traditional medical systems.

Proposed Mechanisms of Toxin Removal

The notion that cilantro can remove heavy metals and toxins is predicated on a few key mechanisms proposed by supporters:

• Chelation – Cilantro contains substances said to bind to metals in a process called chelation, immobilizing them so they cannot be absorbed.
• Anti-oxidation – Cilantro’s antioxidants may help prevent damage from toxins and facilitate their removal.
• Digestion support – Cilantro potentially improves digestion, allowing faster elimination of toxins.

However, these mechanisms have not been proven and the ability of cilantro to meaningfully chelate metals in the body remains speculative. Research has been limited so far.

Studies on Cilantro and Toxin Removal

A few scientific studies have examined whether cilantro can remove heavy metals or offer protective effects in cases of contamination:

• A 2006 study found cilantro accelerated excretion of lead in rats that were exposed to lead-contaminated water, suggesting it could have chelating properties.
• A 2009 study reported cilantro extract had protective effects on mice injected with lead acetate, perhaps by decreasing oxidative stress.
• A few lab studies indicate cilantro extracts can bind to certain heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium in test tube settings.

However, these limited studies used concentrated extracts or animal models. They do not provide sufficient evidence that eating normal amounts of cilantro will remove substantial amounts of heavy metals in humans.

Summary of Research

Study	Methods	Key Findings
Sobha et al., 2006	Rats exposed to lead, then given cilantro	Cilantro accelerated lead excretion
Sharma et al., 2009	Mice injected with lead, then given cilantro extract	Cilantro offered some protection against lead
Several lab studies	Cilantro extracts tested for metal binding	Extracts showed ability to bind some metals

Limitations of Current Evidence

While early studies provide some clues, there are major limitations in the current evidence for using cilantro to remove metals and toxins:

• Human clinical trials are lacking – No studies have evaluated cilantro’s detox effects in controlled human trials.
• Effects likely minimal – The impact shown, even in animal models, has been relatively small.
• Insufficient dosing data – Effective doses and forms (extract vs whole herb) are unknown.
• Mechanisms not fully characterized – Exact mechanisms for any chelating or antioxidant effects are still speculative.

In summary, the most robust scientific evidence for cilantro eliminating toxins in humans is currently lacking. Any benefits for metal detoxification, if they exist, are likely to be modest according to animal research.

Potential Risks and Safety Concerns

Relying on unproven approaches like cilantro to remove heavy metals comes with several risks and concerns:

• Delaying effective treatment – Believing cilantro “cures” metal toxicity could delay seeking more reliable medical therapies.
• Interactions – Cilantro may alter absorption or metabolism of prescription medicines, but drug interactions are not well studied.
• Allergic reactions – Cilantro can cause allergies in some individuals, ranging from mild symptoms to anaphylaxis.
• Variability in products – Supplements are not regulated, so cilantro extracts may have inconsistent and unpredictable effects.

While cilantro itself is generally recognized as safe, these factors merit consideration, especially for individuals with metal poisoning who need proper treatment.

Expert Recommendations

Given the lack of solid evidence that cilantro removes toxins, expert health and nutrition organizations caution against relying on it:

• The WHO states evidence is insufficient to recommend herbal chelators like cilantro for detoxification.
• EFSA concluded that claims about cilantro’s ability to remove heavy metals are unproven and physiologically implausible.
• The NIH recommends standard chelation therapy for diagnosable metal poisoning, not unproven supplements.

Overall, experts advise against using unproven herbal remedies as substitutes for proven treatments. More high-quality human research on cilantro is needed before its effects can be considered well-supported.

The Bottom Line

Based on the current evidence, it is unlikely cilantro significantly removes metals or other toxins from the body. Small studies hint at minor effects, but human data is lacking. Any chelation effects that may exist appear relatively weak. While generally safe, relying on cilantro to treat metal toxicity can carry risks if it postpones effective therapies.

In summary, the idea of cilantro as a potent detoxifier is premature and not based on solid science. As with any unproven treatment, a healthy degree of skepticism is warranted. However, cilantro remains a delicious and nutritious herb that may complement a healthy, balanced diet when used in normal food amounts.