Bixa orellana
Bixa orellana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Bixa orellana is a versatile plant characterized by its medicinal and coloring properties derived from its leaves, seeds, and fruit. The plant contains vital chemical compounds such as prunin, beta-carotene, ellagic acid, and trans-bixin. Through various preparations like hydroethanolic extracts and purified annatto oil, it exhibits significant biological activities including 5-alpha-reductase inhibition and ACE inhibition. These components offer therapeutic potential for managing conditions such as diabetes mellitus, allodynia, and diarrhea. Consequently, Bixa orellana serves as a rich natural resource for both analgesic and acidulant applications.
- Synonyms
- Bixa Americana · Orellana Americana · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Bixaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Bixa orellana is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across different regions. It is most frequently referred to by the common name Achiote, though it is also widely recognized as Achote. Depending on local dialects and linguistic variations, it may be called Anattoboom or Anattostrauch. Some sources even utilize the specific spelling of Annattostrauch to identify this species. These diverse naming conventions reflect the plant's widespread cultural and botanical importance.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Bixa orellana is a taxonomically complex species that has been identified by several different scientific names throughout history. It is frequently recognized by the synonyms Bixa americana and Bixa katangensis in various botanical records. Additionally, the plant has been referred to as Bixa odorata in certain historical classifications. Its diversity is further reflected in specific formal designations such as Bixa orellana f. leiocarpa. Finally, the variety is also documented under the synonym Bixa orellana var. leiocarpa to denote its unique botanical characteristics.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Bixa orellana is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the order Malvales, showcasing its evolutionary connection to other diverse plant groups. Further refinement of its lineage places it within the genus Bixa. Finally, it is a distinguished member of the Bixaceae family, completing its detailed biological profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Bixaceae |
| Genus | Bixa |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Bixa orellana exhibits a broad geographical presence across several key regions within the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the species is well-established in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its reach extends further into Northeast Tropical Africa, where it can be found growing in Chad. The plant also maintains a documented distribution within the borders of Eritrea. This diverse range highlights the species' ability to thrive across varied ecological zones in Africa.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Bixa orellana is a distinctive self-supporting plant that takes the form of a sturdy tree. Depending on its environmental conditions, this species can vary significantly in size. It may grow as a smaller specimen reaching a minimum height of 1.5 meters. However, it often develops into a more substantial tree with a minimum height of 5.5 meters. Ultimately, these impressive trees can reach a maximum height of 15 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Bixa orellana stands out as a notable plant in the study of traditional Brazilian medicinal extracts. Research evaluating various methanolic extracts has demonstrated that this species possesses significant antifungal properties. Specifically, the plant exhibited high efficacy against the yeast species Cryptococcus neoformans. This activity was measured with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 0.078 mg/ml, placing it among the most effective extracts tested. Such findings highlight the potential of Bixa orellana in the development of new treatments for fungal infections.
Compounds
Bixa orellana is a versatile plant that serves as a rich source of various bioactive compounds and essential sugars. Research indicates that its mucilaginous polysaccharides contain significant amounts of pentose, mannose, and galactose. Beyond these carbohydrates, the plant's fruit shell provides the valuable flavonoid known as prunin. Additionally, the leaves of the plant contain ellagic acid, which has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential in medical studies. Together, these diverse chemical constituents highlight the significant pharmaceutical and nutritional value of this species.
Conditions
Bixa orellana serves as a medicinal resource that has been shown to treat diabetes mellitus by lowering blood glucose levels through the stimulation of peripheral glucose utilization. This plant also demonstrates significant antifungal activity in the treatment of C. neoformans. Regarding metabolic health, compounds found within the plant such as geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols possess the potential to treat dyslipidemia. Furthermore, extracts from Bixa orellana leaves have demonstrated the ability to treat Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells by inducing apoptotic features. Finally, the methanol extract of its leaves can treat Human Pancreatic Amylase (HPA) through concentration-independent inhibitory action.
Preparations
Bixa orellana is prepared as a hydroethanolic extract of its leaves, which has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice. This plant is also processed into its granules (Chronic®) and purified annatto oil to study the potential of compounds like geranylgeraniol and tocotrienols against dyslipidemia and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, the species is used to produce MPS extract, specifically through the extraction of adhesive mucilaginous polysaccharides from its vegetative parts. These mucilaginous polysaccharides can be obtained as ethanol precipitated mucilage concentrates from the leaves. Together, these various preparations highlight the diverse medicinal and functional applications of the plant.
Parts used
Bixa orellana is a versatile medicinal plant that offers various biological benefits through its different anatomical components. The leaves of this species are recognized for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful in treating conditions like osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the seeds are widely utilized as a natural food coloring and are studied for their complex chemical effects on metabolic processes. The fruit also provides significant value, as researchers have successfully isolated specific compounds like prunin from its shell. Together, these diverse parts of Bixa orellana highlight the plant's profound importance in both traditional folk medicine and modern pharmacological research.