Aliphatic (2E)-alkenals and alkanals characterized from the fresh leaves of the coriander Coriandrum sativum L. (Umbelliferae) were found to possess bactericidal activity against Salmonella choleraesuis ssp. choleraesuis ATCC 35640. (2E)-Dodecenal (C(12)) was the most effective against this food-borne bacterium with the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 6.25 microg/mL (34 microM), followed by (2E)-undecenal (C(11)) with an MBC of 12.5 microg/mL (74 microM). The time-kill curve study showed that these alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes are bactericidal against S. choleraesuis at any growth stage and that their bactericidal action comes in part from the ability to act as nonionic surfactants.