Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities ofBixa orellanaL.: A Review

Abstract

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. The aim of this work was to report the main evidence found in the literature, concerning the ethnopharmacology, the biological activity, and the phytochemistry studies related to Bixa orellana L. Therefore, this work comprises a systematic review about the use of Bixa orellana in the American continent and analysis of the data collected. This study shows the well-characterized pharmacological actions that may be considered relevant for the future development of an innovative therapeutic agent.

A novel dual mechanism in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…Achiote seeds contain about 5% pigment, located mainly in the reddish waxy coating of the seeds (pericarp). The color originates, mainly, from two carotenoid pigments: bixin (between 70 and 80%) and norbixin (between 20 and 30%) .…”

Development and Evaluation of Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Natural Botanical Oil for Sun Protection: Characterization and in vitro and in vivo Human Skin Permeation and Toxicity

“…Naturally occurring polyphenols, such as green tea polyphenols, silymarin from milk thistle and proanthocyanidins from grape seeds, genistein and, resveratrol have been shown to protect against UV radiation-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and suppression of immune responses [13]. In Brazil, urucum oil (also known as annatto oil) is extracted from the seeds of Bixa orellana , which is a source of the carotenoid bixin [14]. Although in widespread use as a natural dye and its use by indigenous Brazilian communities as an insect repellent and for protection against sunburn, the pharmacological properties of urucum are still poorly understood [14].…”

“…In Brazil, urucum oil (also known as annatto oil) is extracted from the seeds of Bixa orellana , which is a source of the carotenoid bixin [14]. Although in widespread use as a natural dye and its use by indigenous Brazilian communities as an insect repellent and for protection against sunburn, the pharmacological properties of urucum are still poorly understood [14]. However, it continues to be incorporated as an adjuvant in sunscreen products to add sun protection, with a number of patents filed in recent years [15].…”

Potencial cicatricial da Bixa orellana L. em feridas cutâneas: estudo em modelo experimental

“…Possui, em sua composição química, aminoácidos (triptofano, metionina e lisina), carotenoides (bixina e norbixina), além de alto teor de ácidos graxos e pequenas quantidades de ácido linoleico e oleico. É amplamente utilizada nas indústrias alimentícia e cosmética por ser um corante natural; além disso, estudos demostram sua atividade antibacteriana, antifúngica, antiinflamatória, hiperlipidêmica, laxativa e hipotensora, quando o óleo é extraído de diferentes formas e de partes variadas da planta (Shilpi et al, 2006;Ferreira et al, 2013;Stohs, 2013;Vilar et al, 2014).…”