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Annatto (Bixa orellana L.)
While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Related Terms

  • Acetate, acetone, achiot (Spanish - Colombia), achiote (Spanish - Peru), achiote seeds, achiotillo, achiotin, annotta, annatto extract, annatto tree, aploppas, apocarotenoids, arnotta, arnotto (Native American), azo dyes, biche, bija, Bixa acuminata, Bixa americana, Bixa katangensis, Bixa odorata, Bixa orellana, Bixa platycarpa, Bixa purpurea, Bixa tinctoria, Bixa upatensis, Bixa urucurana, Bixaceae (family), bixin, brickdust, butter color, BXN, carotenoids, calcium sulfate, chalk, changuarica (Spanish - Mexico), colcothar, E160b, E number E160b, eroya, essential oil, false damiana, farinaceous matter, fat-soluble color, fatty acid, fiber, flag annotta, gypsum, ishwarane, jafara, kasujmba-kelling, kham thai, k'u-zub (Spanish - Mexico), lipstick tree, natural color, natural food color, norbixin, occidentalol, occidentalol acetate, ochre, onoto (Spanish - Venezuela), orellana, Orellana americana, orellin, orleana, Orleanstrauch (German), orucu-axiote, phosphoric acid, potassa, powdered bricks, pumacua (Mexico), red ochre, rocou (Dutch, French), roucou (French - Dominica and the French West Indies), roucouyer, ruku (Hungarian), sand, sand gypsum, silica, spathulenol, starchy bodies, sulfuric acid, terebinthinous body, tomentosic acid, Ultrabix™, unane, urucu (Portuguese - Brazil), urucum (Portuguese), urucu-üva, uruku, water-soluble color, (Z,E)-farnesyl acetate.

Background

  • Annatto is a pigment, or dye, produced from the red seeds of the achiote (Bixa orellana) tree. Achiote is native to the tropics of North and South America, the Caribbean, and the East Indies. It is cultivated in South America and Southeast Asia. Annatto has long been a staple of Latin American and Caribbean cuisines as a flavoring and coloring agent. Annatto adds a slightly sweet and peppery taste and yellow or red color.
  • Achiote is known as the "lipstick tree" because the seeds have been used by Central and South American natives to make lip color, as well as body paint and fabric dye.
  • Achiote has been used as a traditional remedy for a variety of conditions, including diabetes, jaundice, snakebite, indigestion, heartburn, and hypertension (high blood pressure). All parts of the plant have been used, including the roots, leaves, seeds, and dried pulp of the fruit. Recently, annatto has been included as an ingredient in weight-loss products.

Evidence

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Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.