Annatto, bixin, norbixin

International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 160b

Food additives Europe numbers: E160b 

Annatto, bixin, and norbixin are interrelated but distinct substances with some potential medical applications:

Annatto:

• Description: Annatto is a natural food coloring and spice derived from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana) [1]. It has a reddish-orange hue.
• Medical Uses: While not widely recognized as a medicine, preliminary studies suggest some potential health benefits, but more research is needed. These include:
  • Antioxidant properties: Annatto extracts might possess antioxidant properties, potentially reducing cell damage caused by free radicals [2].
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Early research suggests possible anti-inflammatory effects, but further studies are required [3].
• Safety: Generally considered safe for most people in small amounts used as food coloring or spice. However, people with allergies to birch pollen or other related substances might experience allergic reactions to annatto [4].

Bixin:

• Description: Bixin is the main red pigment extracted from annatto seeds. It's the primary coloring component responsible for annatto's reddish-orange hue [5].
• Medical Uses: Similar to annatto, bixin itself isn't a common medicinal substance. However, some studies suggest potential benefits like those mentioned for annatto, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [6, 7]. More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and understand the safety profile for medicinal use.

Norbixin:

• Description: Norbixin is a water-soluble derivative of bixin. It's created by processing bixin with alkali [8]. Norbixin is also responsible for some of the coloring properties of annatto but with a more orange hue compared to bixin's red tones [5].
• Medical Uses: Similar to annatto and bixin, norbixin isn't a widely used medicinal substance. However, some studies suggest potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but more research is needed [9, 10].