The Hidden Wonders of Annatto Seeds

Abstract

Annatto seeds are harvested from the evergreen shrub Bixa orellana Linn, also known as the annatto plant. The historical and cultural relevance of annatto seeds as a natural source of sauces, colors, and traditional medicines explains its ethnobotanical value. These seeds are important for Native Americans as they use these seeds to dye clothes, food, and their bodies. The phytoconstituents of annatto seeds include apocarotenoids, carotenoids, volatile oils, terpenes, and terpenoids. Bioactive substances like bixin and nor-bixin have excellent antioxidative properties. Annatto seeds have proven antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, and antidiabetic properties, making them versatile therapeutic agents in modern medicines. Their cultural and historical significance as a natural resource has resulted in improved comprehension of their medicinal potential. The thorough examination of annatto seeds in this work highlights their ongoing significance in the changing fields of ethnobotany and contemporary science and illuminates their wide-ranging applications.