Achiote is a shrub or small tree from the tropical region, Dr.Abhay Kumar Pati

June 12, 2010 - PRLog -- ACHIOTE

Latin name:            Bixa orellana
English names:          Annato, Achiote, Lipstick tree
Sanskrit name:          Sinduri
Other common name:      Achuete      

Medicinal parts used:       Seeds

Achiote is a shrub or small tree from the tropical region of the American continent. The name derives from the Nahuat word for the shrub, achiote. It is also known as Aploppas, and its original Tupi name urucu. It is cultivated there and in Southeast Asia.

Achiote is a shrub or bushy tree which ranges from 3 to 10 meters in height.  Its glossy, ovate leaves are evergreen with reddish veins; flowers are pink, white, or some combination, and are 4 to 6 cm in diameter.  From the flower protrudes a striking two-valved fruit, covered either with dense soft bristles or a smooth surface. These round fruits, approximately 4 cm wide, appear in a variety of colors: scarlet, yellow, brownish-green, maroon, and most commonly bright red.

Analysis of annatto seeds indicates that they contain cellulose, sucrose, essential oil, fixed oil, pigments, and protein, as well as alpha- and beta-carotenoids and other constituents. Annatto oil is extracted from the seeds and is the main source of pigments named bixin and norbixin, which are classified as carotenoids. Bixin, extracted and used as a food colorant, has been shown to protect against ultraviolet rays and to have antioxidant and liver protective properties in clinical research.

Therapeutic use:
•   Parts of the plant can be used to make medicinal remedies for such conditions as sunstroke, tonsilitis, burns, leprosy, pleurisy, apnoea, rectal discomfort, and headaches.
•   The sap from fruits is also used to treat type 2 diabetes, and fungal infections.
•   Bixa orellana help to reduce acid, kills bacteria, fights free radicals, kills parasites, kills germs, increases urination, stimulates digestion, lowers blood pressure, mildly laxative, and protects liver.

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Biotechayur manufactures botanical standardized nutritional herbal extracts. Biotechayur also manufactures aminoacids, protein, and aromatic essences
The plant is located in Orissa, India