Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana, commonly known as annatto, is a plant traditionally used in Central and South America for its vibrant red dye. The seeds are also employed in traditional medicine, particularly by indigenous communities to treat skin conditions and as a general tonic. Scientific evidence indicates that the seed's extract has potential applications in adsorbing tetracycline under specific pH conditions, with a maximum capacity of 14.94 mg g-1. Additionally, studies have shown promising results for using Bixa orellana seeds in an integrated biorefinery process to produce natural pigments, starch, and nutraceuticals, achieving a gross margin of 21.8% while promoting sustainable practices. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded thus far.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that hydrochar derived from annatto seed waste could adsorb tetracycline effectively under near-neutral pH conditions, with a maximum capacity of 14.94 mg g-1.
- A de novo genome assembly of Bixa orellana was generated, providing insights into its genetic structure and potential for improving bixin yield.
- SWE at 140 °C achieved the highest extraction yields and compound recovery from annatto seed by-products, though further studies are needed for validation of applications.
- The study characterized the nonlinear optical properties of norbixin from Bixa orellana seeds using Z-scan and self-phase modulation techniques.
- The integrated biorefinery process for annatto seeds yielded a gross margin of 21.8% and demonstrated economic viability while improving sustainability in natural pigment, starch, and nutraceutical production.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bixa orellana?
Bixa orellana (Bixa orellana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bixa orellana?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Bixa orellana; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that hydrochar derived from annatto seed waste could adsorb tetracycline effectively under near-neutral pH conditions, with a maximum capacity of 14.94 mg g-1.
How strong is the evidence for Bixa orellana?
The strongest finding for Bixa orellana carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bixa orellana safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bixa orellana in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bixa orellana interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bixa orellana in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bixa orellana?
Bixa orellana is also known as: аннато, Roucou.
Is Bixa orellana a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Hydrothermal Conversion of Annatto Seed Waste (Bixa orellana) into Functional Hydrochar: Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption Mechanism of Tetracycline. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chromosome-scale, single haploid assembly of achiote (Bixa orellana). literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Thermo-Optic Effect in Norbixin: Characterization by Z‑Scan and Self-Phase Modulation under CW Laser. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Techno-economic and Sustainability Assessment of Integrated Annatto Seed Biorefinery for Natural Pigments, Starch, and Nutraceuticals. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative Extraction of Polyphenolic Co-Pigments and Proteins from Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) Seed By-Products. literature abstract metadata