Morphophysiological and phytochemical responses to cadmium and lead stress in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

•Cadmium and lead-contaminated soil negatively affected morphophysiological traits of coriander.•Cadmium and lead stress condition increased vitamin C content in the coriander plant.•Higher cadmium and lead concentrations in the soil reduced photosynthetic pigments and yield of photosystem II.•Soil polluted with cadmium and lead increased secondary metabolites in the coriander plant.