Bixaceae
Annatto
Bixa orellana
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Tropical Americas
Also known as: Achiote, Lipstick Tree, Roucou, Bija
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
SeedLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular protection (tocotrienols superior to vitamin E for cholesterol), type 2 diabetes, skin conditions (topical), fever (traditional).
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant (tocotrienols), anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering
Active Constituents
Carotenoids (bixin — primary, norbixin, annatto yellow), tocotrienols (delta and gamma — superior antioxidants to tocopherols), flavonoids, tannins
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule☕ Herbal Tea💧 Infused Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1 tsp dried leaf per 250ml, steep 10 min, 2x daily |
| Tincture | Tocotrienol extract: 200–300mg delta/gamma tocotrienols daily |
| Notes | Tocotrienols from annatto superior to alpha-tocopherol for cardiovascular protection and anti-cancer effects. Delta-tocotrienol: most active form. Take with food (fat-soluble). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with anticoagulants (tocotrienols mildly antiplatelet). Caution in hypoglycemics (blood sugar lowering).
Side Effects: Allergic reactions (rare). GI upset. Very well tolerated generally.