Annatto - Glucagon (Glucagon) Interaction
Herbal: Annatto
Also Known As: Bixa orellana, Acafrao, Acafroa, Achiote, Achioti, Achiotillo, Achote, Achote of the Mountain, Analto, Anatto, Annatto Orellana, Annato, Annotta, Arnotta, Atole, Axiote, Bicha, Bija, Bixa, Bijo, Bijol, Black Grain, Caituco, Cascaverde, Graopreto, Green Peel, Guajachote, Koessewee
Drug: Glucagon
Brand names:
Glucagon, Baqsimi
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 04, 2025
Interaction Details
Glucagon is classified as belonging to the following category: Antidiabetes Drugs
Animal studies suggest that certain annatto extracts may have hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking annatto with antidiabetes drugs could reduce the therapeutic effects of these drugs or increase the risk for additive hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Fernandes, A. C., Almeida, C. A., Albano, F., Laranja, G. A., Felzenszwalb, I., Lage, C. L., de Sa, C. C., Moura, A. S., and Kovary, K. Norbixin ingestion did not induce any detectable DNA breakage in liver and kidney but caused a considerable impairment
- Russell, K. R., Morrison, E. Y., and Ragoobirsingh, D. The effect of annatto on insulin binding properties in the dog. Phytother Res 2005;19(5):433-436.
- Morrison, E. Y., Thompson, H., Pascoe, K., West, M., and Fletcher, C. Extraction of an hyperglycaemic principle from the annatto (Bixa orellana), a medicinal plant in the West Indies. Trop.Geogr.Med 1991;43(1-2):184-188.
- Russell, K. R., Omoruyi, F. O., Pascoe, K. O., and Morrison, E. Y. Hypoglycaemic activity of Bixa orellana extract in the dog. Methods Find.Exp.Clin.Pharmacol. 2008;30(4):301-305.
Annatto Overview
Annatto is a natural food coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana), which is native to Central and South America. The tree is known for its small, red, spiky seeds (annatto) which have a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and are sometimes used as a spice, but more commonly for their coloring properties. The seeds are ground into a powder and used to add a yellow or orange color to foods. It can also be used to dye fabrics and cosmetics.
Annatto has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as a source of antioxidants, as an anti-infective, to increase athletic performance, to decrease muscle soreness, and improve bad breath.
There have been several reports of annatto causing allergic reactions in some individuals, so it should be used cautiously.
Glucagon Overview
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Glucagon nasal powder is used along with emergency medical treatment to treat very low blood sugar in adults and children 4 years of age and older who have diabetes. Glucagon nasal powder is in a class of medications called glycogenolytic agents. It works by causing the liver to release stored sugar to the blood.
Annatto - More Interactions
Annatto interacts with 84 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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