Coriander seedpods. Fruit of coriander, Coriandrum sativum, which contain seeds. Coriander, a herb, is grown for its aromatic leaves and seeds. The seeds are used to spice a wide variety of foods, while the pungent leaves, called cilantro, are an ingredient in Latin American and Asian cooking. It is a good source of pyridoxine and folate. Oil extracted from the seeds can be used medicinally to relieve abdominal discomfort.