A seed with many traditional uses

Annatto seeds are rich in bixin, a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant properties. They are traditionally used to color food, as a condiment, and in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Description

Whole seeds, oval in shape, red-brown in color, with a dry and slightly rough texture.

Nomenclature

• Common name: Roucou, Achiote, Lipstick tree
• Latin name: Bixa orellana
• Family: Bixaceae
• Part used: Seed
• Form: Whole (loose)
• Origin: Tropical America
• English name: Annatto
• Name in Spanish: Achiote
• Name in Portuguese: Urucum

Main virtues

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, healing.

Main constituents

Bixin, norbixin, carotenoids, tocotrienols, flavonoids, essential fatty acids.

Professional use and dosage

• Oily macerate: Macerate the seeds in a vegetable oil for several days to obtain a natural coloring for cosmetics or culinary preparations.
• Decoction: Boil the seeds in water for 10 to 15 minutes to extract the pigments and active ingredients.
• Infusion: Pour boiling water over the seeds and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
• May cause allergic reactions in certain sensitive individuals.
• Do not exceed the recommended doses.

History and traditional use

Used since ancient times by Native American peoples for its coloring and medicinal properties, annatto is now valued worldwide for its versatility and potential health benefits.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: kraft bag or professional opaque pot.
• Storage: dry, at room temperature, away from air and light.
• Shelf life: 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 1211.90.86.00

Sources and references

• Monographs of traditional pharmacopoeia
• Internal References Apophycaire
• Ethnobotanical data and specialized publications

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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