Achiote

Achiote, botanically Bixa orellana, is a tropical shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. The striking, spiky fruit capsules contain numerous red-orange seeds from which the natural colorant annatto is obtained. In the traditional medicine of indigenous peoples, Achiote has been used for centuries not only as a coloring agent but also for a variety of therapeutic purposes – from skin care to supporting internal organs.

What benefits does Achiote offer?

Achiote is highly valued in naturopathy for numerous positive effects that arise from the plant's diverse constituents. Studies suggest great potential in various areas of health. As always, however, these studies must be viewed critically, as not all results are readily transferable and more research is needed to be able to draw definitive conclusions:

  • Antioxidant effects: The seeds contain carotenoids such as bixin and norbixin, which can neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage (1,2,3).
  • Anti-inflammatory action: Traditionally, Achiote is used for inflammation, skin irritations, and wounds – both internally and externally. Studies suggest that active compounds of the plant could indeed possess anti-inflammatory effects (1,4,5,6).
  • Antimicrobial properties: Studies show that extracts from the seeds can have antibacterial and antifungal effects (7,8,9).
  • Antiparasitic properties: Results of scientific investigations suggest that active compounds from the plant could have a positive effect on malaria illnesses (1,10)
  • Liver and digestive support: In folk medicine, Achiote is considered liver-cleansing and is used for gastrointestinal complaints (3)

How does Achiote work?

The effects of Achiote can be traced back to several bioactive compounds, above all the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, tannins, flavonoids, and tanning agents (1,11,12,13).

Side effects and risks

Achiote is considered safe in usual amounts; nevertheless, the following points should be observed, and intake should only take place under the supervision of medical professionals:

  • Allergies: In rare cases, allergic reactions to annatto can occur.
  • Pregnancy: There is not enough reliable data on internal use during pregnancy – consulting a doctor is recommended.

Conclusion

Achiote is more than a natural colorant – it is a medicinal plant rich in tradition, which has demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective properties in studies. As a complement in naturopathy, Bixa orellana can be used in versatile ways both externally and internally, but should be used with care and only under medical supervision.

Sources:

  1. da Silva, A. K. A., dos Santos, C. R., Carneiro, M. L. B., Joanitti, G. A., Luz, G. V. S., Rosa, S. S. R. F., Pinheiro, W. M., Rosa, M. F. F., Abreu, P. R. A., Fukuoka, F. M. G., & Tatmatsu-Rocha, J. C. (2023). Bixa orellana L. and its implications in human health: Perspectives and new trends. In A. Atta-ur-Rahman (Ed.), Studies in Natural Products Chemistry (Vol. 77, pp. 1–36). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91294-5.00001-4
  2. Osorio, Annatto seeds as antioxidants source with linseed oil for dairy cows, Animals, № 11, с. 1465 DOI: 10.3390/ani11051465
  3. Souza, Antioxidants from annatto seeds as possible inhibitory agents of the hepatotoxicity induced by the antitumor agent cisplatin, Nat. Prod. Commun., с. 11
  4. Gatsou Djibersou, Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous extracts of leaves, barks and roots of Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae) on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice, Avicenna J. Phytomed., № 10, с. 428
  5. Yong, Anti-inflammatory properties of Bixa orellana leaves extract are associated with suppression of bradykinin-induced endothelial hyperpermeability, Pharmacogn. Mag., № 14, с. 352 DOI: 10.4103/pm.pm_540_17
  6. Pacheco, Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of bixin, a carotenoid extracted from the seeds of Bixa orellana, Planta Med., № 85, с. 1216 DOI: 10.1055/a-1008-1238
  7. Ul Islam, Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of Bixa orellana Linn, Lat. Am. J. Pharm., № 30, с. 1126
  8. Stohs, Safety and efficacy of Bixa orellana (achiote, annatto) leaf extracts, Phyther. Res., № 28, с. 956 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5088
  9. Nathan, Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of natural colouring pigment derived from Bixa orellana L. seed aril, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. India Sect. B Biol. Sci., № 89, с. 137DOI: 10.1007/s40011-017-0927-z
  10. Omonhinmin, Phytochemical, cytotoxicity and antioxidant activities of five anti-malaria plants, Res. J. Med. Plant, № 9, с. 81DOI: 10.3923/rjmp.2015.81.89
  11. Delgado-Vargas, Natural pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains—characteristics, biosynthesis, processing, and stability, Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr., № 40, с. 173 DOI: 10.1080/10408690091189257
  12. Louro, Development of carotenoid storage cells in Bixa orellana L. seed arils, Protoplasma, № 253, с. 77 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-015-0789-2
  13. Kumar, Mucilaginous polysaccharides from vegetative parts of Bixa orellana L.: their characterization and antioxidant potential, J. Food Biochem., № 43, с. e12747 DOI: [10.1111/jfbc.12747