Annatto Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Annatto Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Annatto seed extract is likely safe when used orally in amounts commonly found in foods. It has Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use as a color in foods in the US. Annatto leaf powder, when used orally and appropriately, has been used with apparent safety in clinical trials for up to 1 year. However, there is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of annatto seed extract in medicinal amounts or annatto plant parts when used topically. It is advised to avoid using annatto during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient reliable information available.

How Does Annatto Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Annatto contains various chemical constituents depending on the part of the plant used. Annatto seeds, which are mainly used for coloring purposes, contain apocarotenoids such as bixin and norbixin, as well as other carotenoids. Annatto leaves contain alkaloids, tocopherols, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes. The specific mechanism of action of annatto may vary depending on its use.

Preliminary research suggests that annatto may have the following effects:

• Antidiabetic effects: Animal research suggests that annatto may have hypoglycemic effects by stimulating glucose utilization in the periphery. However, its effects on humans are not well-established.
• Antidiarrheal effects: In an animal model, annatto leaf extract reduced the number of wet stools.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Annatto constituents, such as norbixin, have shown anti-inflammatory effects by reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines.
• Antimicrobial effects: Annatto leaf extract has shown some antimicrobial effects against certain bacteria and fungi, although the results vary.
• Antioxidant effects: Annatto leaf and seed constituents, such as bixin and norbixin, have antioxidant effects, which may protect against diabetic and inflammatory complications and have anti-cancer mechanisms.
• Antivenom effects: Annatto leaf and branch extract has demonstrated strong antivenom activity against snake venom in animal research.
• Insecticidal effects: The essential and fixed oils of annatto seed extract have been observed to have insect repellent effects.

Pharmacokinetics

After oral ingestion of annatto, bixin and norbixin can be detected in the plasma within 2 hours. The clearance of bixin and norbixin from the plasma is complete within 8 hours and 24 hours, respectively.

Interactions

There are moderate interactions between annatto and antidiabetes drugs, as well as potential interactions with certain herbs and supplements that have hypoglycemic effects. It is important to monitor blood glucose levels closely when using annatto in combination with these substances. Animal research suggests that annatto may induce cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and increase the metabolism of CYP1A1 substrates, which may have implications for certain drugs and supplements metabolized by this enzyme.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Orally, annatto leaf seems to be well-tolerated, with constipation being a rare reported side effect. Allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported with the use of annatto as a coloring agent.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is insufficient reliable information available about the standardization of annatto supplements.

What Is Annatto Typically Used For [as a dietary supplement]?

• Treating diabetes
• Managing diarrhea
• Relieving constipation
• Alleviating nausea
• Reducing fevers
• Easing heartburn
• Treating malaria and hepatitis
• Managing hypercholesterolemia and hypertension
• Addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate or urinary issues
• Topically treating burns, bruises, wounds, vaginitis, insect repellent, inflamed eyes, and rashes
• Coloring agent in foods

Drugs that interact with Annatto