Common names | Annatto
Scientific name | Bixa orellana
Used part | Seed
Known active compounds | bixin, norbixin, orellin
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-microbial 

Product name | Annatto Seed-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Bixa orellana is a shrub native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It produces prickly heart shaped pods containing approximately 40 to 50 small, reddish-orange seeds called annatto. Traditionally, it was used for ritual and decorative body painting, sunscreen, insect repellent, and for medicinal purposes, such as wound healing and the treatment of bronchitis. Today, annatto seeds are extensively used as a natural colorant in the food and cosmetic industries.

 

The annatto seeds are rich in carotenoid pigments, mainly bixin and norbixin for red and orellin for yellow color. Many other compounds were also found in annatto seeds including beta carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, lutein, bixein, bixol, ellagic acid, and salicylic acid. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids in annatto seeds. Annatto seed extract was tested with DPPH and ferric iron reducing power (FRAP) assays and exhibited anti-oxidant properties. The anti-microbial activities of annatto leaf and seed extracts were shown against several microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Vibrio cholerae, and Brucella sp.