Cilantro May Prevent Food Poisoning

Cilantro May Prevent Food Poisoning

A study revealed that cilantro, an herb that is commonly used to add flavor to several kinds of Mexican dishes, contains a compound that could help prevent food borne illnesses such as salmonella. The compound is called dodecenal and is found in the leaves and seeds of cilantro.
Researchers found that dodecenal was twice as strong and more effective than gentamicin, a widely used Antibiotic treatment for salmonella.

Based on these findings researchers suggested the possibility of using dodecenal as a tasteless food additive to help guard against food-borne illnesses. Researchers suggested using it to create a layer of protection over meat at processing plants or as a possible all-purpose cleaning and hand-washing agent.

It was also discovered that cilantro contained as many as a dozen other Antibiotic compounds.

Researchers cautioned individuals not to rely solely on salsa to protect them from food-borne illnesses and instead recommended individuals take the proper precautions with the storing and handling of any food. It is believed that the compound was effective at helping prevent food-borne illnesses because it killed off the cell membrane of the bacteria.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry June 2, 2004;52(11):3329-32

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