Annatto
Parts Usually Used
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.
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
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.
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.
Where Found
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).
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.
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. 5% usually required for export.
Uses
Across Central and South America, traditional practitioners utilized annatto for a variety of historical applications. Folk traditions employed preparations of the plant for digestive complaints, including heartburn, constipation, and stomach upset, as well as for respiratory symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and asthma. External applications were historically prepared for burns, wounds, and various skin conditions.
Communities also utilized the plant as a body paint, an insect repellent, a sunscreen, and an aphrodisiac, as well as an intervention following snakebites. Indigenous traditions often selected specific parts of the plant, utilizing the seeds for fevers and heart-related complaints, the leaves for respiratory problems, and the roots for metabolic disturbances. Modern researchers have investigated annatto compounds, such as tocotrienols, bixin, and norbixin, in laboratory studies focusing on metabolic markers, bone density, eye health, and cardiovascular function.
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.