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Dietary supplement

Annatto Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Terra

Annatto label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Annatto against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Annatto is a dietary supplement by Herbal Terra with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for natural food and cosmetic coloring, source of antioxidants, antimicrobial/anti-infective (traditional use).Based on those ingredients, 86 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Annatto by Herbal Terra

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Annatto by Herbal Terra — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Annatto by Herbal Terra

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract. Annatto is a plant extract traditionally used in herbal preparations, though its effectiveness for the conditions it's marketed for — athletic performance, prostate health, muscle soreness, and bad breath — hasn't been reliably established in the data we hold.

The liquid is formulated with menstruum, a solvent used to create herbal extracts.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Annatto product and its label doesn't state a use — see Annatto's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence isn't established for what Annatto in this product is commonly used for. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for athletic performance, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), exercise-induced muscle soreness, or halitosis (bad breath).

If you're considering it for one of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist about what the research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Annatto

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Annatto is generally recognized as safe when used in food amounts — it's been used as a food coloring for years. But supplement doses, like those in this liquid extract, haven't been well studied, so caution is wise unless your doctor has approved it for you.

Rarely, it can cause constipation. More concerning, annatto (especially as a food coloring) has triggered allergic reactions in some people, from hives and swelling to severe drops in blood pressure and anaphylaxis — a medical emergency.

One case report linked annatto food coloring to worsening irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. If you have a history of allergies to annatto or suspect one, avoid this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Annatto

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Annatto.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 86 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your blood sugar medications (antidiabetes drugs) before using this product — annatto may interfere with how they work or increase the risk of low blood sugar. Your pharmacist can help you search your exact medications on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Annatto is generally tolerated at food-coloring levels, but this concentrated supplement form hasn't been thoroughly studied. If you take diabetes medication, you'll need to monitor your blood sugar closely.

If you have a known or suspected annatto allergy, stay away from it. Talk with your pharmacist before you start, especially if you're on any prescription drugs.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Annatto, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Terra
Barcode (UPC) 7429523963969
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 25, 2020
DSLD ID 234616
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Annatto by Herbal Terra, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
7429523963969
IngredientAmount% DV
certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract970 mg--

Other ingredients: Menstruum

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Origin of plant material: India.

Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility

Alcohol free

Dried herb/menstruum ratio: 1:3 Expertly extracted Laboratory tested 330 mg/1 mL Premium product Alcohol-free liquid herbal extract

Non GMO

No artificial ingredients, GMO, gluten, color additives, fillers, preservatives or binders. Natural Gluten Free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Direction Shake well before use. Adults take up to 30 drops (1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) in 3-4 fl. oz of juice or water up to 4 times a day. We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking this or any other herbal supplements.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Notice This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution May have contraindications.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult a physician before using during pregnancy, if nursing, or if you are on any medications.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Formula

Bixa orellana

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA Made in an FDA registered facility Natural Gluten Free

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Annatto by Herbal Terra label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Annatto label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Annatto by Herbal Terra

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract

Interacts with
86 drugs
970 mg per serving

Annatto is a plant-based coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree and is widely used as a safe food dye. While it has a long history in tradit...

Certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Menstruum. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Annatto by Herbal Terra Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Annatto?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
86Drugs
86 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Annatto interact with 86 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Annatto interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Annatto with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract1 drug type · 86 drugs

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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
certified organic Annatto dried seed liquid extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Annatto, from the product label.

Herbal Terra

See all Herbal Terra products
Name
Herbal Terra
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Annatto by Herbal Terra: Common Questions

Does Annatto by Herbal Terra interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Annatto has a known interaction with 86 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Annatto contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take Annatto if I have diabetes?
Not without caution. Animal studies suggest annatto might affect blood sugar — either raising it or lowering it. If you take diabetes medication, monitor your blood glucose closely and talk to your pharmacist first. Mixing this with your diabetes drugs could change how well they work or tip you into low blood sugar.
Is Annatto safe if I've had an allergic reaction to it before?
No. Annatto has caused allergic reactions in some people, from hives and swelling to serious drops in blood pressure and anaphylaxis. If you've reacted to annatto before — whether in food coloring, cosmetics, or supplements — avoid this product.
What does annatto actually do?
We don't have reliable evidence that it works for the conditions it's often marketed for: athletic performance, prostate health, muscle soreness, or bad breath. The evidence is insufficient to rate it for any of these uses.
Does Annatto cause side effects?
It's usually well tolerated, but rarely it causes constipation. More uncommonly, it's triggered allergic reactions, hives, swelling, and — in rare cases — severe reactions. One case report tied annatto food coloring to worsening irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Most people don't have problems, but watch for signs of allergy.
Is food-coloring annatto the same as this supplement?
It's the same plant extract, but the amounts differ. Food-coloring amounts are used safely for decades, but this supplement dose is concentrated and hasn't been well studied, so caution is wise unless your doctor approves.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Annatto is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Annatto label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Annatto’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Annatto

Interacts with 86 drugs

Annatto is a plant-based coloring made from the seeds of the achiote tree and is widely used as a safe food dye. While it has a long history in traditional medicine and contains antioxidant...

Read the full Annatto monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Annatto's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 15 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Annatto 15 references
  1. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  2. 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
  3. 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. PubMed
  4. 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.
  5. Zegarra, L., Vaisberg, A., Loza, C., Aguirre, R. L., Campos, M., Fernandez, I., Talla, O., and Villegas, L. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of Bixa orellana in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated to benign prostatic hyp
  6. 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.
  7. Ebo, D. G., Ingelbrecht, S., Bridts, C. H., and Stevens, W. J. Allergy for cheese: evidence for an IgE-mediated reaction from the natural dye annatto. Allergy 2009;64(10):1558-1560. PubMed
  8. Nish, W. A., Whisman, B. A., Goetz, D. W., and Ramirez, D. A. Anaphylaxis to annatto dye: a case report. Ann.Allergy 1991;66(2):129-131.
  9. Stein HL. Annatto and IBS. J Clin Gastroenterol 2009;43(10):1014-5.
  10. Raddatz-Mota D, Pérez-Flores LJ, Carrari F, et al. Achiote (Bixa orellana L.): a natural source of pigment and vitamin E. J Food Sci Technol 2017;54(6):1729-1741. PubMed
  11. Koc E, Arca E, Surucu B, Kurumlu Z. An open, randomized, controlled, comparative study of the combined effect of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and onion extract gel and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone in the treatment of hypertrophic s
  12. Gonçalves MLL, da Mota ACC, Deana AM, et al. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Bixa orellana extract and blue LED in the reduction of halitosis-A randomized, controlled clinical trial. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. 2020 Jun;30:101751. PubMed
  13. Dominguez-Balmaseda D, Diez-Vega I, Larrosa M, et al. Effect of a blend of Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Bixa orellana L. herbal supplement on the recovery of delayed-onset muscle soreness induced by unaccustomed eccentric resistance training: A randomiz
  14. González-Gross M, Quesada-González C, Rueda J, et al. Analysis of effectiveness of a supplement combining Harpagophytum procumbens, Zingiber officinale and Bixa orellana in healthy recreational runners with self-reported knee pain: a pilot, randomized, tr
  15. Sadowska B, Sztormowska M, Chelminska M. Annatto hypersensitivity after oral ingestion confirmed by placebo-controlled oral challenge. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2021 Oct;127(4):510-511. PubMed

See these in context on the Annatto monograph →

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

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