A Detailed Review of the Pharmacognostical Study of Bixa Orellana L.

Bixa orellana L. (family Bixaceae), commonly known as annatto or lipstick tree, is an economically and medicinally important plant native to tropical America and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally, its leaves, seeds, bark, and roots have been used to treat various ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, fever, urinary tract infections, jaundice and snakebite. Phytochemical studies have identified a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, and tannins. The plant is particularly valued for its natural pigments, bixin and norbixin, which are concentrated in the seed and extensively used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Pharmacological investigations have demonstrated significant antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional medicinal applications. This review summarizes the botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition and therapeutic potential of B. orellana, highlighting its importance as a promising natural resource for phytotherapeutic and pharmaceutical applications.