Coriander is a herb, commonly called cilantro in the USA. As a rare allergy it is not well studied and there has been no confirmation of which allergens are causing the reactions.

Allergic reactions are most likely caused by profilin proteins which can cause allergic reactions in uncommon circumstances. Some profilin proteins can give oral allergy type symptoms and is more specifically called Celery Mugwort Spice Syndrome.

Coriander also contain chemicals called furanocoumarins, these can act as a contact allergen. When they come in contact with the skin it can become more sensitive to sunlight which can cause blistering. This is more common as an occupational allergy with people who pick, pack and process coriander.

Coriander is a low FODMAP food. FODMAP stands for Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. Foods high in FODMAPs can cause symptoms of food intolerance, affecting the gastro intestinal system and this can be mistaken for a true IgE food allergy.

Coriander is a food low in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause gastrointestinal food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

Some profilin proteins can give oral allergy type symptoms and is more specifically called Celery Mugwort Spice Syndrome. You may have this syndrome if you suffer from coriander allergy with oral allergy symptoms to 3 or more of the foods mentioned in the cross reactivity section.

Coriander is in the family Apiaceae, other spices in this family are anise, caraway seed, celery, chervil, cumin, dill, fennel and parsley.

Other plants containing profilin inhalant allergens are ragweed, wormwood, birch, sunflower, olive, plantain, poplar and oak.

Profilins are also found as food allergens in kiwi, celery, peanut, chilli, watermelon, orange, hazelnut, melon, carrot, strawberry, soya, walnut, lychee, lupin, apple, cherry, almond, peach, pear, mustard, tomato and aubergine.

The foods most commonly linked to Celery Mugwort Spice Syndrome are peach, melon, celery, carrots, camomile, fennel and other spices from the Apiaceae family which include coriander, caraway seed, celery, chervil, cumin, dill, aniseed and parsley.

These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.