Culantro

Introduction

Culantro, scientifically known as Eryngium foetidum, is also commonly referred to as recao, long coriander, or Mexican coriander. This aromatic herb is well-regarded in many cuisines, particularly in Latin American and Asian dishes, for its distinct, strong flavor similar to cilantro but more potent. Besides its culinary uses, culantro is valued in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it an essential addition to any herb garden.

Ethnobotany

Culantro has been used traditionally in various cultures for its medicinal and culinary properties. In the Caribbean and Latin America, it is commonly used to flavor dishes and is a staple in many traditional recipes. In traditional medicine, culantro is used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomachache. Its leaves and roots are often used in herbal remedies for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The plant is also used in rituals and traditional practices among indigenous communities, highlighting its cultural significance.

Growing Culantro

Planting

  • Soil Requirements: Culantro thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Amend the soil with organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
  • Planting Depth and Spacing: Sow culantro seeds at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and growth.
  • Best Time to Plant: Plant culantro in the early spring after the last frost date or in the fall in warmer climates. It can also be grown indoors year-round.

Watering

  • Frequency: Culantro requires consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Water the plants regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
  • Methods: Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to provide steady moisture while avoiding water on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Sunlight

  • Requirements: Culantro prefers partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it benefits from afternoon shade to prevent bolting (premature flowering).

Fertilizing

  • Type and Frequency: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Organic options like compost or fish emulsion can also be beneficial.

Pruning

  • Instructions: Regularly harvest the outer leaves to encourage continuous growth. Pinch off flower stalks as they appear to prolong leaf production and prevent bolting.

Pests and Diseases

  • Common Pests: Culantro can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
  • Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal infections like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risks.

Propagation

  • Methods: Culantro can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.
    • Seed Starting: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or direct sow outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Maintain a temperature of 70-75°F for optimal germination.
    • Cuttings: Root stem cuttings in water or a well-draining potting mix.
    • Division: Divide mature plants in early spring or late fall to propagate new plants.

Pharmacology

Culantro contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties. The primary compounds include:

  • Phenolic acids (Caffeic, Chlorogenic, and Rosmarinic acids): These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
  • Flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin, and Kaempferol): Known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Terpenoids (α-Pinene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene): These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
  • Essential Oils: The essential oils of culantro have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them useful in traditional medicine for treating infections.

Medicinal Uses of Culantro

Medicinal Use Preparation and Application References
Anti-inflammatory Infusion of leaves, applied topically or taken orally [1]
Antipyretic Infusion of the whole plant, consumed as a tea [2]
Diuretic Decoction of roots, consumed daily [3]
Antidiabetic Infusion of leaves, taken orally [4]
Digestive Aid Fresh leaves consumed in salads or as a garnish [5]

References

  1. Cárdenas-Valdovinos, J.G., García-Ruiz, I., Angoa-Pérez, M.V., & Mena-Violante, H.G. (2023). Ethnobotany, Biological Activities and Phytochemical Compounds of Some Species of the Genus Eryngium (Apiaceae), from the Central-Western Region of Mexico. Molecules, 28, 4094.
  2. Ramcharan, C. (2000). The Effect of ProGibb Sprays on Leaf and Flower Growth in Culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.). Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 7, 59-63.
  3. Arévalo, O. R., Muñoz, D. L., Dávila, R. A., Montero, P., & Vigo, S. (2019). Cytoprotective Effect of the Eryngium foetidum “Sacha Culantro” Methanolic Leaf Extract Versus Sodium Fluoride Exposed Mice using the Micronucleus Test and the Comet Assay. Polymer Journal, 11.
  4. Muniz, C. C. S., Ferreira, R. J., Nascimento, D. D., Pollo, A. S., Silva, E. M. D., Gomes, R. F., Santos, L. S., & Soares, P. L. M. (2023). Eryngium foetidum reported as a new host of Meloidogyne enterolobii in the state of Pará, in the eastern Amazon region, Brazil. Plant Disease.
  5. Rosero-Gómez, C. A., Zambrano, M., García, K. E., & Viracocha, L. A. (2020). Nomenclatura y usos del culantro de monte (Eryngium foetidum L.) en la comunidad San Antonio de Padua, cantón Quinsaloma, Provincia de Los Ríos – Ecuador. Latin American and Caribbean Bulletin of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 19, 334-343.
  6. Banout, J., Havlík, J., Kulik, M., Klouček, P., Lojka, B., & Valterová, I. (2010). Effect of solar drying on the composition of essential oil of Sacha culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.) grown in the Peruvian Amazon. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 33, 83-103.
  7. Deepak, P. (2019). The micro-propagation study of Eryngium foetidum, L using various plant growth regulators. International Journal of Research in Advent Technology.
  8. Mohamed-Yasseen, Y. (2002). In vitro regeneration, flower and plant formation from petiolar and nodal explants of culantro (Eryngium foetidum L.). In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology - Plant, 38, 423-426.
  9. Ignacimuthu, S., Arockiasamy, S., Antonysamy, M., & Ravichandran, P. (1999). Plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis from mature leaf explants of Eryngium foetidum, a condiment. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 56, 131-137.
  10. Martin, K. (2004). In vitro propagation of the herbal spice Eryngium foetidum L. on sucrose-added and sucrose-free medium without growth regulators and CO2 enrichment. Scientia Horticulturae, 102, 277-282.
  11. Singh, G., Maurya, S., De Lampasona, M. P., & Catalan, C. (2004). Chemical constituents, antifungal and antioxidative potential of essential oil and acetone extract of Eryngium foetidum. Food Chemistry, 91(4), 595-602.