A review of Bixa orellana L. (Annatto) leaves as medicinal resource: Use in the population as complementary medicine, phytotherapeutic action and quality parameters

Abstract

Bixa orellana, known as Annato or Achiote, is a species popularly used in various countries of America as a dye and medicine. Its leaves possess several biological activities and are commonly marketed as filters. However, despite some ethnomedicinal and pharmacological studies with Bixa orellana leaves having been published, there is a lack of review articles that collect this information. In addition, the few studies about the quality parameters of these filters must be addressed jointly so that the usefulness of existing information can be better addressed in the discussion of commercial regulation. In this way, this review aims to compile systematically useful information about the medicinal use and pharmacology of B. orellana leaves, in addition to channeling the studies on the quality parameters of filters, which in turn can define the quality, efficacy and safety of the marketed products. As a result of the review, the searches showed that the leaves of B. orellana are traditionally used for various purposes, including treatment of headache, bronchitis, and inflammation, in addition to using as a diuretic, analgesic, antiophidic, among others. These findings were corroborated by pharmacological studies, which also point to other biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neurodepressant and gastrointestinal modulator through the administration of leaf extracts. Finally, stability and extraction yield studies were also important in providing data for implementing quality control of B. orellana products.