Bixa orellana L.

Bixa orellana, commonly known as “annatto”, stands as one of the oldest natural dye-producing plants native to Central and South America. Its various parts have long been used in traditional medicine systems for treating and preventing health ailments. Carotenoids, apocarotenoids, terpenes, terpenoids, sterols, and aliphatic compounds isolated from annatto, display a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. The yellow-orange natural dye ontent of the seeds boasts high biodegradability, low toxicity, and environmental compatibility. It is applied in the food, textile, leather, cosmetics industries and also in solar cells. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the traditional and modern uses, as well as pharmacological benefits of annatto. Summarizing information on the non-food industrial applications is meant to generate more interest in this versatile dye plant. Existing gaps in research and potential avenues for future studies are also identified.