Annatto

Scientific Names

annatto

Bixa orellana L.
Bixa orellana

Common Names

Annatto

Achiote

Achiotillo

Bija

Urucum

Atsuete

Urucu

Lipstick Tree

Arnotta

Orlean

Rocou

Santo-Domingo

Onoto

Analto

Poor Man’s Saffron

The seeds, leaves, and roots are used medicinally. The seeds are the primary part used, as they contain the highest concentration of active compounds including the natural dye and therapeutic substances.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

annatto

Annatto is a small shrub or tree that grows 3-6 meters (10-20 feet) high, native to Central and South America. The trunk is short, measuring 20-30 cm in diameter, with dark gray bark featuring lenticels in vertical rows. The leaves are alternate, 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, sharp, and green on both sides with extended petioles.

The plant produces clusters of reddish-brown, heart-shaped fruit covered in soft, spiky bristles. Each fruit contains 10-50 small, reddish-orange seeds that measure 0.3-0.5 cm in length. The seeds are covered with a waxy outer coating that contains the valuable pigments and bioactive compounds. The number of seeds per capsule varies, with each bivalvar capsule containing 30-60 seeds on average.
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Where Found

annatto

Annatto is native to Central and South America, specifically the Amazon region, but now grows in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is cultivated in tropical countries including Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Indonesia, India, Kenya, East Africa, and the Caribbean. Latin America produces 60% of total world production, followed by Africa (27%) and Asia (12%). The main producers in Latin America are Peru, Brazil, and Mexico. Annual world production of achiote seeds is approximately 14,500 tons (dry weight).
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Medicinal Properties

Annatto has been extensively studied and shown to possess numerous medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, bone-protective, and neuroprotective effects.

The plant exhibits broad spectrum antibacterial activity against various pathogens including Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Research has demonstrated antifungal properties against Cryptococcus neoformans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and other fungal strains.

Studies have shown significant antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging, with annatto extracts providing protection against reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, superoxide, nitric oxide, and peroxynitrite. The anti-inflammatory effects include reduction of histamine-induced paw edema, inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), and suppression of inflammatory markers.

Anticancer research has demonstrated cell proliferation inhibitory effects against colon, central nervous system, stomach, lung, prostate, liver, and blood cancer cell lines. The plant also shows promise for bone health, with studies indicating improved bone density, reduced bone resorption, and enhanced bone formation.
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Biochemical Information

The primary bioactive compounds in annatto include:

Carotenoids: Bixin (80% of pigments), norbixin, lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, and methylbixin
Tocotrienols: Delta-tocotrienol (>90%), beta-tocotrienol, and other vitamin E compounds
Terpenoids: Farnesylacetone, geranylgeraniol, geranylgeranyl octadecanoate
Sesquiterpenes: Beta-humulene, alpha-caryophyllene, alpha-copaene, spathulenol, ishwarane
Flavonoids: Leucocyanidin, luteolin, apigenin, hypolaetin
Phenolic acids: Ellagic acid, caffeic acid derivatives
Other compounds: Tomentosic acid, phytol, stigmasterol, sitosterol

Bixin is the major carotenoid compound, accounting for up to 5% of seed content in high-quality varieties. The concentration can vary from less than 2% to over 5% depending on the cultivar and climatic conditions. Commercial value is based on bixin percentage, with levels higher than 2.5% usually required for export.
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Uses

Annatto has been used traditionally across Central and South America for various medicinal purposes:

Gastrointestinal disorders: Heartburn, diarrhea, stomach upset, constipation, dysentery
Respiratory conditions: Bronchitis, cough, sore throat, asthma, pulmonary disorders
Skin conditions: Burns, wounds, skin diseases, scabies, ulcers
Infectious diseases: Malaria, measles, gonorrhea, hepatitis, urinary infections
Metabolic disorders: Diabetes, fever reduction
Women’s health: Labor pains, pregnancy-related issues
Other uses: Snake bite treatment, insect repellent, sunscreen, body paint, aphrodisiac

Indigenous peoples have used different plant parts for specific conditions: seeds for antipyretic, cardiotonic, and antidiarrheal effects; leaves for snakebite treatment, gonorrhea, and respiratory disorders; and roots for diabetes, alcoholic hepatitis, and worm infestations.

Modern Applications

Current research has validated many traditional uses and identified new therapeutic applications:

Metabolic syndrome: Studies show annatto tocotrienol improves glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles
Bone health: Tocotrienols preserve bone matrix, improve bone formation, and reduce bone resorption
Eye health: Norbixin shows promise for treating age-related macular degeneration by reducing A2E accumulation
Cancer therapy: Bixin demonstrates selective toxicity against multiple myeloma and other cancer cell lines
Cardiovascular health: Compounds help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and improve heart function
Neurological conditions: Shows potential for preventing inflammatory neurological conditions

Formulas or Dosages

Research studies have used various dosages depending on the condition and extract type:

For cholesterol reduction: 125-750 mg of annatto tocotrienol daily, with 250 mg showing significant effects after 4 weeks
For bone health: 60-100 mg/kg of annatto tocotrienol in animal studies
For diabetes management: 400-1600 mg tocotrienol per kg of diet in animal studies
General supplementation: Studies suggest doses up to 750 mg daily for up to 12 months appear safe
Food coloring use: Acceptable daily intake of 6 mg/kg body weight for bixin and 0.3 mg/kg for norbixin

The appropriate dose depends on factors such as age, health status, and specific conditions. Consult healthcare professionals before using annatto medicinally, as natural products are not always safe and proper dosages are important.
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How Sold

Annatto is available in various commercial forms:

Whole seeds (dried)
Ground powder
Paste (seeds combined with spices)
Oil extracts
Liquid extracts
Standardized capsules and tablets
Tocotrienol supplements
Food coloring agents
Essential oils

Warning

General Safety: Annatto seed extract is likely safe for most people when used in food amounts. Leaf powder is possibly safe when used at doses up to 750 mg daily for 12 months. There isn’t enough reliable information about safety when using larger medicinal amounts.

Allergic Reactions: Rarely, people sensitive to annatto may experience hives, swelling of the face, lips, or mouth, severe low blood pressure, or anaphylaxis. These reactions may occur due to traces of seed protein in annatto products.

Digestive Issues: Annatto may cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea in susceptible individuals, though this is very rare.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There isn’t enough reliable information about safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid amounts larger than those typically found in food.

Diabetes: Annatto might increase or decrease blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should monitor blood sugar carefully when using annatto medicinally, as medication doses may need adjustment.

Surgery: Annatto might affect blood sugar levels, which could interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using annatto medicinally at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

Drug Interactions: Annatto may interact with diabetes medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing the risk of low blood sugar. It may also increase how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications processed by cytochrome P450 1A1 enzymes.

Topical Use: There isn’t enough reliable information about the safety of applying annatto to the skin or using it in the eyes.
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