Annatto (Bixa orellana L.), popularly known as “urucum,” has been used by indigenous communities in Brazil and other tropical countries for several biological applications, which indicates its potential use as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical products.
Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) which is derived from the seeds of the achiote tree and often used as a coloring agent because of its bright color that ranges from yellow to deep orange.
Aside from its ability to color food naturally, it also contains antimicrobial properties and antioxidants which make it very useful for killing bacteria, aiding wound healing, supporting your cardiovascular and eye health, and protecting your liver.
Meanwhile, research has also shown that some people have allergy or intolerance to annatto, so it is advisable to introduce it into your diet slowly to make sure it doesn’t cause any adverse reactions.
According to a research being carried out on Annatto seed powder, it was concluded that Annatto seed powder had antioxidant abilities as well as water and fat holding capacity which might be suitable for incorporation with meat products. The redness values of pork patties containing annatto seed powder increased due to the presence of bixin and nor-bixin pigments (p<0.05).
Moreover, pork meat patties containing annatto seed powder were found to have reduced lipid deterioration, which resulted in lower TBARS and POV than the control sample.
The VBN values of the pork patties containing annatto seeds were lower than those of CTL at the end of storage (p<0.05). The addition of annatto seeds to meat products at a level of 0.25% appeared to be optimal for the manufacture of pork patties.
Therefore, the seed powder could be a promising source for natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents that could be used in the production of meat products to extend the shelf-life.
The seed has been used as a natural colorant in many traditional foods found in Asia and it ranks second place in economic importance worldwide among all natural colorants and its extract shows antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The color of the pigment from the outer layer of annatto seeds ranges from yellow to red and is affected by the concentration of the color compounds. The main color pigments of annatto seeds are bixin and nor-bixin, extracted from the outer coating of the seeds.
Several previous studies have measured the antioxidant activities and color properties of different annatto extracts). On the other hand, numerous studies were performed based on the extraction of bixin compounds from annatto seeds using different techniques
Although most of the studies focused on the determination or optimization of the extraction methods for the compounds and their antioxidant activities, studies on the antioxidative and antimicrobial effects of annatto seed extracts on meat and meat products are limited.
Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to evaluate the efficacy of different level of annatto seed powder in preventing lipid and protein oxidation, and to determine the physicochemical and antioxidative activities of pork patties during 14 d of refrigerated storage.
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The annatto tree belongs to the family Bixaceae and the genus Bixa. Despite the existence of several species, the most common in our country is Bixa orellana L., named after Francisco Orellana, who was the first European to navigate the Amazon.
Annatto is a small tree or shrub measuring from 3 to 5 meters in height, sometimes reaching a height of 10 meters. The trunk is short, measuring 20–30 cm in diameter, with dark gray bark with lenticels in vertical rows. The leaves are alternate, 10 to 20 cm long and 5 to 10 cm wide, sharp, green on both sides, and with extended petioles.
The seeds measure 0.3–0.5 cm in length and 0.2-0.3 cm in diameter, and their shape varies from pyramidal to almost conical. The number of seeds per capsule varies and each bivalvar capsule may contain from 30 to 60 seeds, on average.
The seeds are considered the plant part of commercial importance, since the pericarp (layer that surrounds the seeds) contains the pigments that have wide industrial application.
About 80% of this pigment is the carotenoid known as bixin, which has the dye property and can be extracted with vegetable oils or chemical bases. Depending on the cultivar and climatic conditions of the region, the bixin content can vary from 1 to 6% in the seed aril. The remainder is composed of other dyes and inert substances of minor importance.
Annatto’s Use in Traditional Medicine
Annatto is a native plant from South America, more specifically of the Amazon region. The popular name “urucum” comes from the Tupi word “ru-ku,” which means “red.” In Brazil, this plant is commonly known as urucum, urucu, açafrão, açafroa, and açafroeira-da-terra.
It is known by other popular names in other countries: atolé, achiote, and bija (Peru and Cuba); axiote (Mexico); achiote, achote, anatto, bija, and santo-domingo (Puerto Rico); bixa (Guyana); analto (Honduras); guajachote (El Salvador); onotto and onotillo (Venezuela); achiote and urucu (Bolivia); urucu (Argentina); roucou (Trinidad); roucou and koessewee (Suriname); and annatto (United States).
The seed, leaf and the annatto extract are used to make medicine. People take annatto for diabetes, diarrhea, fevers, fluid retention, heartburn, malaria, and hepatitis.
They also use it as an antioxidant and bowel cleanser. Annatto is sometimes put directly on the affected area to treat burns and vaginal infections and to repel insects. In foods, is used as an annatto coloring agent.
The wide dissemination of its use in those regions is related to the growing demand for natural dyes by many pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, and especially food industries.
According to research, the seeds urucum supplies seeds that have been used as a condiment as well as laxative, cardiotonic, hypotensive, expectorant, and antibiotic. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory activity for bruises and wounds and has been used for the treatment of bronchitis and for wound healing purposes.
Oil is also obtained from this plant. The infusion of the leaves has been shown to be effective against bronchitis, sore throat, and eye inflammation. The pulp, which includes the seed, is used for soft drinks and febrifuge.
Moreover, it can provide valuable dyeing materials such as yellow (orellin) and red (bixin) substances, with the latter constituting a crystallized active ingredient.
In the food industry, it is used to color butter, margarine, mayonnaise, sauces, mustard, sausage, soup, juice, ice cream, bakery products, macaroni, and cheese, where it is commonly called “do reino” (of the kingdom), coming from Holland.
It is also widely used in the printing industry and dye manufacturing. Many Aborigines use annatto for dyeing, where the dye is naturally obtained as a mixture and used to color ceramics and other vases for domestic use.
In addition, most endogenous people use this dye on their skin to beautify themselves during religious rituals and mainly to protect themselves from ultraviolet radiation and from mosquitoes that infest forests.
The bast provides fibers for rough cordage, and the powder resulting from grinding the seeds has been used as an aphrodisiac. Finally, the infusion of cold buds serves to wash inflamed eyes, whereas the decoction of the leaves has been used for antiemetic therapy during pregnancy.
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Scientific Evidence and Case Studies on Annatto (Bixa orellana L.)
1. Antioxidant Activity: Annatto extracts demonstrate strong antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting cells from damage associated with diseases like heart disease and cancer.
2. Antimicrobial Properties: Annatto shows effectiveness against various bacteria and fungi, inhibiting growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, making it useful for food preservation and potential antimicrobial formulations.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Compounds in annatto, such as bixin, reduce inflammation by modulating signaling pathways, alleviating symptoms in conditions like bruises, wounds, and inflammatory disorders.
4. Anticancer Potential: Bixin and other carotenoids in annatto exhibit anticancer properties by inducing cell death in cancer cells, such as prostate and blood cancers, while showing no mutagenic effects.
5. Heart Health Support: Annatto aids in lowering cholesterol levels through its antioxidants like norbixin and bixin, potentially protecting against age-related cardiovascular issues.
Nutritional Value Of Annatto (Bixa orellana L.)
1. Carotenoids (Bixin and Norbixin): Provide vibrant color and potent antioxidant properties, supporting eye health and reducing oxidative stress.
2. Tocotrienols (Vitamin E Forms): Contribute to heart health by protecting against lipid oxidation and offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Protein: Contains 13-17% protein with adequate levels of amino acids like tryptophan and lysine, aiding in tissue repair and growth.
4. Dietary Fiber: High fiber content (15-27%) promotes digestive health and helps prevent constipation.
5. Phosphorus: Abundant in phosphorus for bone health and energy metabolism, though calcium levels are low.
6. Iron: Supplies iron essential for red blood cell production and preventing anemia.
7. Vitamins B2 and B3: Includes riboflavin (B2) and niacin (B3) for energy production and maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
Summary of Annatto (Bixa orellana L.)
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Annatto from Bixa orellana seeds used as natural colorant with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; potential allergies noted. |
| Research Highlights | Seed powder shows antioxidant, antimicrobial effects; reduces lipid oxidation in meat products; extends shelf-life. |
| Botanical Description | Small tree/shrub (3-10m) with pyramidal seeds in capsules; pigments like bixin (1-6%) in seed coating. |
| Traditional Uses | Medicine for diabetes, diarrhea, fevers, burns; antioxidant, bowel cleanser; food coloring, dyes, insect repellent. |
| Industrial Applications | Colors foods (butter, cheese), cosmetics, textiles; aphrodisiac, fibers from bast. |
| Cautions | Introduce slowly due to potential allergies; no major side effects reported in moderation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is annatto and where does it come from?
Annatto is a natural colorant derived from the seeds of the Bixa orellana tree, native to South America, particularly the Amazon region.
2. What are the main health benefits of annatto?
Annatto offers antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health, aids wound healing, and may have anticancer potential.
3. How is annatto used in traditional medicine?
It’s used for treating diabetes, diarrhea, fevers, heartburn, burns, and as an antioxidant, bowel cleanser, and insect repellent.
4. What gives annatto its color?
The vibrant yellow-to-orange color comes from carotenoids like bixin and norbixin in the seed’s outer coating.
5. Can annatto be used in food products?
Yes, it’s widely used as a natural colorant in foods like cheese, butter, sauces, and ice cream, and shows promise in extending meat product shelf-life.
6. Are there any side effects or allergies associated with annatto?
Some people may have allergies or intolerances, so introduce it slowly; it’s generally safe but can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
7. What nutritional components are in annatto seeds?
Annatto seeds contain carotenoids, tocotrienols, protein, fiber, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B2 and B3.
8. How does annatto support antioxidant activity?
Its compounds like bixin scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and protecting against cell damage.
9. Is annatto effective for antimicrobial purposes?
Extracts show activity against bacteria and fungi, making it useful for preservation and potential medical applications.
10. What industrial uses does annatto have beyond food?
It’s used in cosmetics, textiles, dyes, printing, and as fibers for cordage or aphrodisiacs in traditional contexts.
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Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The health benefits described are based on scientific research and traditional knowledge. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb or natural remedy for medical purposes.