Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) Annatto, Lipstick tree

1. Scientific Name: Bixa orellana

Family: Bixaceae

Genus: Bixa

Related Herbs from the same family:The Bixaceae family is small, with Bixa orellana being the most significant species from a medicinal and economic perspective. There are no other major medicinal herbs in this family that are referenced in classical Ayurvedic texts.

2. Common names

Bixa orellana | English: Annatto, Lipstick Tree | Sanskrit: Sinduri, Latkan (names applied due to its color) | Hindi: Latkan, Senduria | Tamil: Sappiravirai, Jafran | Telugu: Jafra, Jangudi | Kannada: Ranjaka, Kumkuma | Malayalam: Kappumanjal, Kuppamanjal | Marathi: Shendri, Bixa | Bengali: Latkan, Bisha

3. Medicinal Uses

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), Hypoglycemic (lowers blood sugar), Gastroprotective (protects stomach lining), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Expectorant.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

The vibrant red-orange pigment from the seeds is the source of its most important bioactive compounds.

Carotenoids: Bixin, Norbixin. These are the main pigments responsible for the color. They are powerful Antioxidants, even more potent than some other carotenoids. They contribute to the Anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, and potential Anticancer activities.

Tocotrienols: A form of Vitamin E, which are potent Antioxidants and have Hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) properties.

Terpenoids and Volatile Oils: Carvacrol, Thymol, Linalool, Geraniol. These compounds are responsible for the plant's distinct aroma and contribute to its Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant effects.

Flavonoids: Apigenin, Luteolin, Quercetin. These further enhance the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Antioxidant and Anti-aging

Formulation: Seed paste or oil.

Preparation & Use: The seed paste or oil is applied topically to the skin to protect it from sun damage and to reduce signs of aging. It is consumed to provide internal antioxidant support.

Justification: The high concentration of carotenoids (bixin and norbixin) effectively neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and chronic disease.

Antimicrobial for Skin and Wounds

Formulation: Leaf or seed paste.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the leaves or seeds is applied topically to wounds, burns, and skin infections to prevent bacterial growth and promote healing.

Justification: The terpenoids (carvacrol, thymol) and volatile oils have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

Gastroprotective (for Heartburn and Ulcers)

Formulation: Seed decoction or infusion.

Preparation & Use: A water-based infusion or decoction of the seeds is consumed to relieve heartburn, stomach aches, and gastric ulcers.

Justification: The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds help soothe the gastric mucosa and reduce acid-related damage.

Febrifuge (for Fevers)

Formulation: Leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is used in traditional medicine systems in the Americas (its native region) and adopted in India to reduce fever.

Justification: The anti-inflammatory and potential diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties help lower body temperature during a fever.

As a Colorant and Food Preservative

Formulation: Seed extract.

Preparation & Use: The annatto pigment is widely used in the food industry to color cheese, butter, and other foods. Traditionally, it is used to color rice and dishes.

Justification: The color comes from carotenoids. Its antioxidant property also acts as a natural preservative, preventing rancidity.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Annatto is unique as it is a colorant, a spice, and a medicine.

Soothing Annatto Seed Infusion for Digestion

Purpose: To soothe heartburn and an upset stomach.

Preparation & Use:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of annatto seeds.

2. Steep in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain and drink the clear, yellow liquid.

4. Consume once or twice a day as needed.

Antioxidant-Rich Annatto Oil for Cooking and Skin

Purpose: To create a culinary oil rich in antioxidants or a topical oil for skin health.

Preparation & Use:

1. Heat 1 cup of coconut or olive oil on low heat.

2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of annatto seeds.

3. Heat until the oil takes on a deep orange-red color.

4. Strain out the seeds and store the oil.

5. Use for cooking or, after cooling, apply topically to the skin.

Colorful Annatto Rice

Purpose: A simple way to incorporate annatto's color and antioxidants into food.

Preparation & Use:

1. Prepare the annatto-infused oil as above.

2. Use this colored oil to sauté spices and cook rice.

3. This gives the rice a beautiful yellow color and a subtle, peppery flavor.

7. Disclaimer

Bixa orellana seeds and their extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a food colorant. However, in rare cases, it may cause allergic reactions. Medicinal use of leaves and high concentrations of seeds should be approached with caution. Due to its potential hypoglycemic effect, individuals with diabetes on medication should monitor their blood sugar levels closely. Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before using it for therapeutic purposes, especially during pregnancy and lactation. This information is for educational purposes only.

-x-x-

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• The Useful Plants of India by CSIR

• Indian Medicinal Plants by P.K. Warrier et al.

• Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk

9. Web resources and links:

1. NCBI - Pharmacological properties of Bixa orellana: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843352/

2. ScienceDirect - Bixin and norbixin as potential antioxidants: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814603005763

3. ResearchGate - Antimicrobial activity of Bixa orellana: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222416015_Antimicrobial_activity_of_Bixa_orellana_L

4. PubMed - Hepatoprotective effect of Bixa orellana: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26969475/

5. Journal of Ethnopharmacology - Antiulcerogenic activity of Bixa orellana: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874102003252

10. Further study: Plants that might interest you...

1. Crocus sativus (Saffron, Kumkuma) - Family: Iridaceae. Similarities: Both are renowned for their vibrant natural pigments used as colorants and in traditional medicine. Both are rich in potent carotenoid antioxidants (saffron has crocin, annatto has bixin) and share uses as digestive aids and mood enhancers, though saffron is far more expensive.

2. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) - Family: Zingiberaceae. Similarities: Another potent natural colorant and anti-inflammatory agent. Both are kitchen spices with profound medicinal benefits, primarily driven by their colorful pigments (curcuminoids in turmeric, carotenoids in annatto).

3. Calendula officinalis (Marigold) - Family: Asteraceae. Similarities: Both plants have vibrant orange flowers/seed coats and are used topically for wound healing and skin health due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

-x-x-x-End-x-x-x