FolkKB

Bixa orellana

Bixa orellana

Bixa orellana, commonly known as annatto, is a tropical shrub utilized extensively in various traditional medicinal practices. It is traditionally applied as an astringent, diuretic, and depurative, with uses reported for fever, dysentery, jaundice, diabetes, and burns. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal efficacy remains limited, though research has focused on its genetic structure, pigment extraction, and the potential for using seed waste in biorefinery processes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data. This information is for informational purposes only.

At a glance
Traditionally for
fever · antidote
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

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. D PMID
  • A de novo genome assembly of Bixa orellana was generated, providing insights into its genetic structure and potential for improving bixin yield. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID
  • The study characterized the nonlinear optical properties of norbixin from Bixa orellana seeds using Z-scan and self-phase modulation techniques. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID

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 is Bixa orellana traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Bixa orellana for: fever, antidote, astringent, dysentery, venereal, burns. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Bixa orellana?

Bixa orellana appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Hydrothermal Conversion of Annatto Seed Waste (Bixa orellana) into Functional Hydrochar: Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption Mechanism of Tetracycline. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Chromosome-scale, single haploid assembly of achiote (Bixa orellana). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The Thermo-Optic Effect in Norbixin: Characterization by Z‑Scan and Self-Phase Modulation under CW Laser. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Techno-economic and Sustainability Assessment of Integrated Annatto Seed Biorefinery for Natural Pigments, Starch, and Nutraceuticals. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Comparative Extraction of Polyphenolic Co-Pigments and Proteins from Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) Seed By-Products. literature abstract metadata