Bixa orellana L. (Annatto / Achiote)

Bixa orellana L. (Annatto / Achiote)

Product Name: Бикса ореллана, Bixa orellana, Orleanstrauch, Achiote, Rocouyer, الروكو (أشيوت)، คำแสด, Annatto daraxti (узб.), Аннатто дарагы (кырг.), Annatto ağacı (азерб.), Аннато (тоҷ.), Dažinė urlija, (lv) Bixa orellana, Бікса орельяна, עץ הליפסטיק

Synonyms: Russian: аннато-дерево, помадное дерево; English: annatto, lipstick tree, achiote, urucum; German: Orleanstrauch, Annattostrauch; Spanish: achiote, onoto, bija, urucú; French: rocou, rocouyer, annatto; Arabic: روكو، أشيوت؛ Thai: คำแสด, คำเงาะ, คำไทย

Used Parts: seeds (arils), leaves, bark, roots, fruits (pericarp).

Primary Indications for Bixa orellana L.: Dyslipidemia (including mixed-type hypercholesterolemia), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), type 2 diabetes (insulin resistance), superficial bacterial dermatoinfections, skin and mucosal candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, trophic and postoperative wounds (slow-healing), skin photodamage (solar dermatitis), non-ulcerative gingivitis and stomatitis, mild infectious diarrhea.

Use of Bixa orellana L. in Mixtures and Complexes: Degenerative osteoarthritis, metabolic syndrome, primary arterial hypertension (as an auxiliary agent), chronic non-erosive gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial vaginosis, mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

Pharmacological Properties of Bixa orellana L.: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, wound healing, photoprotective, antimicrobial (including antifungal), antitumor (cytostatic, anti-proliferative — preclinical data), astringent, mild antispasmodic, repellent (insect repellent), cardioprotective (due to tocotrienols), neuroprotective (antioxidant, experimental data).

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Bixa orellana L.

Powder — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Powder): Mixed-type dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, superficial bacterial dermatoinfections, skin and mucosal candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, trophic and postoperative wounds, skin photodamage, non-ulcerative gingivitis, non-ulcerative stomatitis, mild infectious diarrhea.

Standard Dosage (Powder): Orally, 1.5–2 g of seed powder 2 times a day after meals, with 150 ml of warm water or chamomile decoction.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): Orally, 2.5–3 g of seed powder 2 times a day for severe dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a steatosis index above 2, fasting hyperglycemia above 8 mmol/L.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Orally, up to 3.5 g of seed powder 2 times a day, only under blood biochemistry monitoring, for severe forms of dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Orally, 1 g of seed powder 1 time a day in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break, for chronic dermatoses, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, in patients over 45 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 12 years and body weight from 40 kg — 0.5 g of seed powder 1–2 times a day; for younger children, data is not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual hypersensitivity, acute gastritis with high acidity, gastric ulcer in the acute stage; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 12 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose — nausea, diarrhea, orange discoloration of urine.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight more than 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Powder): For 100 g of product, use 100 g of thoroughly dried Bixa orellana seeds, ground in a mill to a powdery state. Sieve through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.3 mm. Store the powder in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in a dry, dark place, protected from electromagnetic radiation and direct sunlight; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Dry Extract): Mixed-type dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, skin and mucosal candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses, skin photodamage, trophic and postoperative wounds, bacterial gingivitis, stomatitis, mild infectious diarrhea.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 300–500 mg of dry extract 2 times a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 500–700 mg 2 times a day for severe hypercholesterolemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with fibrosis F2, hyperglycemia above 8 mmol/L.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, up to 1 g 2 times a day for severe forms of dyslipidemia, under monitoring of liver enzymes.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 250 mg 1 time a day in courses of 30 days, for metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, chronic dermatoses in patients over 40 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 12 years and body weight from 40 kg — 150 mg of dry extract 1–2 times a day; for younger children, data is not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual intolerance, acute inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 12 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose — nausea, diarrhea, discoloration of urine.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight more than 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): For 100 g of product, take 500 g of dry Bixa orellana seeds, grind and extract with 70% ethanol for 48 hours at a temperature of 25 °C, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the complete removal of alcohol odor, dry in a vacuum dryer at 40 °C to obtain a dry powder. Residual ethanol content in the finished product — no more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in airtight packaging, in a dry and dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 24 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Tincture): Mixed-type dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, type 2 diabetes, superficial bacterial dermatoinfections, skin and mucosal candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, trophic and postoperative wounds, skin photodamage, bacterial gingivitis, non-ulcerative stomatitis, mild infectious diarrhea.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 20–25 drops (1 ml) 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of water, 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 30 drops (1.5 ml) 2 times a day for severe hypercholesterolemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a steatosis index above 2, hyperglycemia above 8 mmol/L.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 40 drops (2 ml) 2 times a day, under blood biochemical parameters monitoring, for severe forms of dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 15 drops (0.75 ml) 1 time a day in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break, for metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, chronic dermatoses, in patients over 45 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): From 12 years and body weight from 40 kg — 5–10 drops (0.25–0.5 ml) 1–2 times a day; for younger children, data is not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Tincture): Individual hypersensitivity, chronic alcoholism, acute liver diseases, exacerbation of gastric ulcer; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 12 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose — nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight more than 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): For 100 ml of finished product, take 20 g of dry Bixa orellana seeds, grind, place in a glass container, pour 100 ml of 40% ethyl alcohol. Infuse for 14 days at room temperature in a dark place, shaking daily. Filter, pour into dark bottles. Ethyl alcohol in the finished product is an active component and is not to be removed.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly closed container, in a dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C; shelf life — up to 24 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Oil Infusion): Superficial bacterial dermatoinfections, skin candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses, trophic and postoperative wounds, skin photodamage, solar dermatitis, skin and mucosal cracks, chronic gingivitis, skin irritation after insect bites.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application 2 times a day, applying a thin layer to the affected area of skin or mucosa.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application 3–4 times a day for severe inflammatory dermatoses and skin photodamage.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application up to 5 times a day, provided there is no irritation or allergic reaction.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application 1 time a day for 10–15 days, for predisposition to sunburn, chronic dermatoses, in patients with photosensitive skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application from 6 years, 1–2 times a day, in the absence of individual intolerance.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 6 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): In case of overdose — local irritation, erythema.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): Not required, as it is a form for external use.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): For 100 ml of product, take 10 g of dry ground Bixa orellana seeds, pour 100 ml of unrefined coconut oil, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C for 4 hours. Cool, filter through cheesecloth, pour into a dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark place at a temperature of 8–20 °C, protect from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Ointment — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Ointment): Superficial bacterial dermatoinfections, skin candidiasis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, trophic and postoperative wounds, skin photodamage, solar dermatitis, skin and mucosal cracks, gingivitis in external applications.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Apply 3 times a day for severe inflammation and slow wound healing.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Apply up to 4 times a day for severe trophic disorders and sunburns.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Apply 1 time a day in courses of 10 days for predisposition to inflammatory dermatoses and dry skin, as well as for photosensitive skin before the season of high solar activity.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): From 6 years, 1–2 times a day, in the absence of individual intolerance.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 6 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Ointment): In case of overdose — local irritation, redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): Not required, as it is a form for external use.

Preparation method (Ointment): For 100 g of finished ointment, take 15 g of Bixa orellana seed powder, 70 g of unrefined coconut oil, 15 g of beeswax. Melt coconut oil in a water bath at a temperature of 45–50 °C, add seed powder, keep for 1 hour with stirring, then add beeswax, mix until homogeneous. Pour into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store at a temperature of 8–20 °C, in a dark place, protected from sources of electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 12 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Cream — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Cream): Skin photodamage, solar dermatitis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, dry skin, skin cracks, prevention of irritation from ultraviolet radiation, support for healing of minor skin injuries.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply a thin layer to cleansed skin 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Apply 3 times a day for severe dry skin, active inflammation and irritation after sun exposure.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Apply up to 4 times a day for acute solar dermatitis and severe skin photodamage.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Apply 1 time a day in the morning for photosensitive skin and chronic dermatoses, 30 minutes before sun exposure.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): From 6 years, 1–2 times a day, in the absence of allergic reactions.

Contraindications (Cream): Individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 6 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Cream): In case of overdose — local irritation, itching, mild erythema.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Not required, as it is a form for external use.

Preparation method (Cream): For 100 g of finished cream, take 10 g of Bixa orellana seed powder, 60 g of unrefined coconut oil, 20 g of shea butter, 10 g of beeswax. Melt the oils in a water bath at 45–50 °C, add seed powder, keep for 40 minutes, stirring constantly, then add beeswax, mix until homogeneous, cool at room temperature and whip to a creamy consistency.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in a dark place at a temperature of 8–20 °C, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 9 months; after opening, use within 45 days.

Cosmetics — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Cosmetics): Skin photodamage, solar dermatitis, inflammatory dermatoses with impaired barrier function, dry skin, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema, decreased skin elasticity, irritation after shaving, skin damage after cosmetic procedures.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetics): External application 1–2 times a day as part of finished cosmetic products (lotions, balms, soap, shampoos, masks).

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetics): External application 2–3 times a day for severe photodamage, hyperpigmentation and decreased skin turgor.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetics): External application up to 4 times a day as part of masks and creams for intensive therapy of photoaging and pigmentation spots.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetics): External application 1 time a day in the morning, throughout the period of increased solar activity, to protect the skin from photodamage.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetics): From 6 years, 1 time a day, as part of hypoallergenic cosmetic products.

Contraindications (Cosmetics): Individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 6 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Cosmetics): In case of overdose — local irritation, skin redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetics): Not required, as it is a form for external use.

Preparation method (Cosmetics): For 100 g of finished cosmetic cream or balm, take 8 g of Bixa orellana seed powder, 60 g of unrefined coconut oil, 20 g of shea butter, 10 g of beeswax, 2 g of plant-derived glycerin. Melt the oils in a water bath at 45–50 °C, add seed powder, keep for 30 minutes, stirring, then add glycerin and wax, whip until homogeneous, cool and pack into dark jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetics): Store in a dry dark place at a temperature of 8–20 °C, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 9 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Serum — Bixa orellana L.

Indications (Serum): Skin photodamage, hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory erythema, decreased skin elasticity, dry skin, irritation after dermatological and cosmetic procedures, prevention of photoaging, acceleration of skin recovery after inflammatory processes.

Standard Dosage (Serum): Apply 2–3 drops to cleansed skin of the face and neck 1–2 times a day, distributing evenly and gently rubbing in.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): Apply 3–4 drops 2 times a day for pronounced signs of photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): Apply 4–5 drops up to 3 times a day for 7–10 days during intensive photodamage therapy.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): Apply 2 drops 1 time a day in the morning during periods of high solar activity or when working under increased UV radiation conditions.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): No registered data on use in children's cosmetics; use under 18 years — only as part of professional products under the supervision of a cosmetologist.

Contraindications (Serum): Individual hypersensitivity; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and under 18 years of age is not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Serum): In case of overdose — local irritation, burning sensation, skin redness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Serum): Not required, as it is a form for external use.

Preparation method (Serum): For 100 ml of finished product, take 5 g of Bixa orellana seed powder, 60 ml of jojoba oil, 30 ml of coconut oil, 5 ml of rosehip oil. Mix the oils, add seed powder, infuse in a water bath at a temperature of 40 °C for 3 hours, filter, pour into dropper bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store in dark glass bottles at a temperature of 8–20 °C, protect from direct sunlight and electromagnetic radiation; shelf life — up to 6 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Bixa orellana L.

Toxicity studies of Bixa orellana seed extract in laboratory animals showed a low level of acute toxicity. The oral LD₅₀ in rats is more than 5,000 mg/kg of body weight, indicating no significant risk when used in traditionally recommended dosages. Long-term use in subchronic and chronic experiments did not reveal undesirable morphological changes in organs and systems. Topical application of extracts and oil forms did not cause skin sensitization or irritation in dermatological tests.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16959472

Pharmacodynamics — Bixa orellana L.

The pharmacodynamic properties of Bixa orellana are due to a complex of biologically active compounds, including carotenoid pigments (bixin, norbixin), tocotrienols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, polyphenols and phytosterols. Carotenoids have a pronounced antioxidant effect, manifested in the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species and prevent lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, which helps preserve the integrity of cellular structures. Polyphenolic compounds exert membrane-stabilizing, anti-inflammatory and photoprotective effects, reducing the activity of inflammatory mediators and preventing cell damage from ultraviolet radiation.

Tocotrienols and phytosterols modulate lipid metabolism by affecting enzymes that regulate lipoprotein synthesis and transport. These substances also exhibit cardioprotective effects by improving endothelial function and reducing oxidative stress in the vascular wall. The flavonoid complex has capillaroprotective, anti-edematous and mild antispasmodic effects, acting on the tone of smooth muscle cells.

Triterpenoids and polyphenols exert antimicrobial action by disrupting the integrity of microorganism cytoplasmic membranes and inhibiting their enzymatic systems. Seed and leaf extracts exhibit a photoprotective effect at the skin level by absorbing and scattering ultraviolet radiation, as well as stimulating melanin synthesis. Topical application of oil and extract forms has a regenerative effect by activating fibroblast proliferation and enhancing collagen synthesis in the dermis.

Furthermore, bioactive pigments can bind and neutralize free radicals in the lipid and aqueous phases of biological systems, as well as reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The influence on the immune system is realized through modulation of macrophage and T-lymphocyte activity, which can exert a systemic supportive effect on the body's defense mechanisms.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16959472 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874113002014

Pharmacokinetics — Bixa orellana L.

After oral administration of powder or dry extract, the biologically active substances of Bixa orellana undergo partial absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Carotenoids and tocotrienols are absorbed in the presence of lipids, passing through enterocytes with the participation of micelles formed by bile acids. Polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids may undergo metabolism already at the level of the intestinal wall with the formation of conjugates.

With transdermal administration in the form of ointments, creams, cosmetic serums, the absorption of active substances is limited by the stratum corneum of the skin; however, lipophilic components (bixin, norbixin, tocotrienols) can penetrate the epidermis and partially reach the dermis, providing local action.

After systemic entry, the active substances are distributed primarily in the lipid fractions of plasma and in tissues with high fat content — in the liver, skin, adrenal glands. Carotenoids and tocotrienols accumulate in cell membranes, where they exhibit antioxidant activity.

Metabolism of the main lipophilic components occurs in the liver with the participation of microsomal enzyme systems, including oxidation, hydroxylation and conjugation with glucuronic and sulfuric acids. Polyphenols and flavonoids may additionally be metabolized by the microbiota of the large intestine with the formation of phenolic acids, which are then absorbed and excreted by the kidneys.

Excretion occurs primarily with bile (for lipophilic fractions) and with urine (for water-soluble metabolites). A small part of pigments may be excreted through the skin and lungs. With topical application, systemic absorption is minimal, and most of the substance remains in the epidermis and undergoes local metabolism and degradation.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21798216 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814615004027

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Bixa orellana L.

The biological activity of Bixa orellana is due to the presence of carotenoids (bixin, norbixin), tocotrienols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids and phytosterols. Carotenoid pigments have the ability to absorb and scatter ultraviolet radiation, as well as directly bind reactive oxygen species (ROS), which reduces the level of oxidative stress in cells. Antioxidant activity is accompanied by inhibition of lipid peroxidation and stabilization of the membranes of skin cells, endothelium and parenchymal organs. Tocotrienols and phytosterols affect the activity of enzymes regulating cholesterol biosynthesis, which is associated with modulation of HMG-CoA reductase function.

Flavonoids and polyphenols act as inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), reducing the formation of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids. They also suppress the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, leading to a decrease in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Phenolic acids and triterpenoids can modify the activity of the MAPK cascade, influencing processes of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Lipophilic components (bixin, tocotrienols) participate in the protection of mitochondrial membranes and the improvement of energy metabolism at the cellular level.

Antimicrobial activity is associated with disruption of the integrity of microorganism cytoplasmic membranes and inhibition of their enzymatic systems. Extracts of Bixa orellana exert a modulating effect on innate immunity, increasing macrophage activity and the phagocytic response of neutrophils. At the skin level, carotenoids and phenolic compounds stimulate melanin synthesis through the activation of tyrosinase, which provides a photoprotective effect.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16959472 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874113002014

Synergy — Bixa orellana L.

Scientific studies demonstrate that extracts of Bixa orellana exhibit synergistic interaction with plants containing high levels of polyphenols and tocopherols. Combination with Camellia sinensis (green tea) enhances antioxidant activity due to the additive action of flavonoids and catechins, leading to more pronounced suppression of ROS. Combined use with Curcuma longa (turmeric) potentiates anti-inflammatory action through synchronous inhibition of COX-2, LOX and suppression of NF-κB, as well as due to the interaction of curcuminoids and norbixin in the regulation of the cytokine response.

Extracts of Bixa orellana in combination with Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) demonstrate enhanced photoprotective effect and stabilization of cell membranes, which is associated with the joint action of carnosic acid and carotenoids. Lipophilic components of Bixa orellana, interacting with essential oils of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), exhibit a modulating influence on the activity of neurotransmitter systems (in particular, GABA receptors), contributing to a complex sedative and relaxing effect upon topical application.

In combination with Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and its glycyrrhizic acid, potentiation of antimicrobial action against gram-positive bacteria has been noted, which is explained by synchronous damage to the bacterial membrane and inhibition of key metabolic enzymes of pathogens. Combination with Aloe vera (aloe vera) enhances the regenerative potential for skin injuries due to combined stimulation of fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, as well as joint anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30788991 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2225411016301126

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Bixa orellana L.

Bixa orellana has a wide zone of traditional use, covering Central and South America, the Caribbean region, Southeast Asia, India and parts of Africa. The greatest ethnobotanical significance is recorded among the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, Mesoamerica, as well as in the cultures of the peoples of Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. Archaeoethnobotanical finds and mentions in the chronicles of 16th-century Spanish colonizers indicate the use of seeds as a source of dye and as a component of traditional skin and body care products. In Maya and Inca cultures, seeds were used to prepare a thick paste used as a protective coating for skin and hair against sun and insects, as well as a decorative pigment in ritual cosmetics.

In the folk medicine of South America, decoctions of leaves and bark were used for external washes, seed infusions in oil for skin treatment, pastes from ground seeds for applications, and oil macerates for massage. In Brazilian tradition, Bixa orellana was used in Umbanda and Candomblé rituals, where it was considered a plant symbolizing protection and purification, and the dye from seeds served as an element of ritual attributes.

In Caribbean countries and the Philippines, seed extracts were part of traditional skin and hair care products, used in the form of masks and wraps. In Thailand, the plant is known under the name «คำแสด» and was used in traditional cosmetology and cooking as a natural dye. In African countries, where the plant was introduced from America, it also found application in both food and ethnomedical purposes.

Historical information indicates that the pigment bixin was valued as a trade commodity as early as the colonial period, and in some cultures was considered a talisman used in wedding and initiation rites. In some regions of South America, leaves and seeds were used in house cleansing rituals and in smoking mixtures during religious ceremonies.