ANDIROBA
Clinical References on Andiroba (Carapa guianensis)
1: Pharmazie. 2004 Jun;59(6):488-90.
Constituents of Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Meliaceae).
Qi SH, Wu DG, Zhang S, Luo XD.
Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medical, South China Sea Institute of
Oceanology, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's
Republic of China. shuhuaqi2001@yahoo.com
Nine compounds were isolated from the EtOH extraction of the twig of Carapa
guianensis Aubl. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, their structures were
elucidated as 1,3-di-benzene carbon amine-2-octadecylic acid-glyceride (1),
hexacosanoic acid-2,3-dihydroxy-glyceride (2), ursolic acid (3), naringenin (4),
scopoletin (5), 3,4-dihydroxymethylbenzoate (6), 2,6-dihydroxymethylbenzoate
(7), tetratriacontanoic acid (8), triacontanoic acid (9) respectively. Among
them 1 was new, 2 was firstly isolated from nature, and 3-9 were obtained from
this plant for the first time.
PMID: 15248467 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
2: Heredity. 2001 Oct;87(Pt 4):497-507.
Fine-scale spatial genetic structure of eight tropical tree species as analysed
by RAPDs.
Degen B, Caron H, Bandou E, Maggia L, Chevallier MH, Leveau A, Kremer A.
SILVOLAB Guyane, INRA Station de Recherches Forestieres, Campus agronomique, BP
709, 97387 Kourou cedex, French Guiana. degen.b@kourou.cirad.fr
The fine-scale spatial genetic structure of eight tropical tree species
(Chrysophyllum sanguinolentum, Carapa procera, Dicorynia guianensis, Eperua
grandiflora, Moronobea coccinea, Symphonia globulifera, Virola michelii,
Vouacapoua americana) was studied in populations that were part of a
silvicultural trial in French Guiana. The species analysed have different
spatial distribution, sexual system, pollen and seed dispersal agents, flowering
phenology and environmental demands. The spatial position of trees and a RAPD
data set for each species were combined using a multivariate genetic distance
method to estimate spatial genetic structure. A significant spatial genetic
structure was found for four of the eight species. In contrast to most
observations in temperate forests, where spatial structure is not usually
detected at distances greater than 50 m, significant genetic structure was found
at distances up to 300 m. The relationships between spatial genetic structure
and life history characteristics are discussed.
PMID: 11737299 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
3: Mol Ecol. 1999 Oct;8(10):1585-92.
Population structure delineated with microsatellite markers in fragmented
populations of a tropical tree, carapa guianensis (Meliaceae)
Dayanandan S, Dole J, Bawa K, Kesseli R.
Deforestation and selective logging in the tropics may have serious consequences
on genetic processes in tropical tree populations, affecting long-term survival
of a given species as well as tropical forest communities. Because understanding
the effects of human-induced changes on genetic processes is of utmost
importance in formulating sound conservation and management plans for tropical
forest communities, we developed microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR)
markers for the tropical tree Carapa guianensis (Meliaceae) and assessed the
polymorphism of SSRs in adult and sapling populations in a large contiguous
forest and in selectively logged and fragmented forests. The number of alleles
in polymorphic loci ranged between 4 and 28. No inbreeding was detected in
saplings or adult cohorts, but the allelic richness was lower in the sapling
cohort of the isolated fragment. Genetic distances, Nei's D and (delta&mgr;)2,
and RST values among saplings were greater than among adult cohorts, suggesting
restriction of gene flow due to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. These
SSR loci may be used to address many related questions regarding the population
and conservation genetics of tropical trees.
PMID: 10583822 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
4: An Acad Bras Cienc. 1999;71(2):265-71.
Activities of the Pharmaceutical Technology Institute of the Oswaldo Cruz
Foundation with medicinal, insecticidal and insect repellent plants.
Gilbert B, Teixeira DF, Carvalho ES, De Paula AE, Pereira JF, Ferreira JL,
Almeida MB, Machado Rda S, Cascon V.
Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. gilbert@far.fiocruz.br
In addition to original research, Far-Manguinhos, the Pharmaceutical Division of
the Brazilian Ministry of Health's Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), devotes
major attention to the finalising of products for use in public health campaigns
or, under contract, for private industrial development. Emphasis is on
standardisation, adequate supply, safety in use and efficacy. Among the products
discussed in this summary of some of its activities in the chemical and
pharmaceutical fields are medicinal plants Bidens pilosa, Cymbopogon citratus,
Copaifera species, Mentha crispa, Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. and other
Phyllanthus species, insecticidal plants, Lonchocarpus urucu and Quassia amara,
and the insect antifeedant plants Carapa guianensis and Pterodon emarginatus.
PMID: 10412493 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
5: J Ethnopharmacol. 1993 Sep;40(1):53-75.
Tapping an Amazonian plethora: four medicinal plants of Marajo Island, Para
(Brazil).
Hammer ML, Johns EA.
Christ Church, Oxford, UK.
This study focused its attention on four medicinal plants (Carapa guianensis,
Elephantopus scaber, Piper umbellatum, Stachytarpheta cayenensis) used by
Caboclo communities on Marajo, the main island of the Amazon delta. In the
field, interviews were conducted with Caboclos and the medicinal usages and
preparation procedures of the four plants were recorded. In the laboratory, the
plant extracts were subjected to bioassays and their crude chemical composition
was established. All four plants showed significant bioactivity and the chemical
tests confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds. In addition, the results of
both the field and laboratory studies corresponded well with those of a
literature search. The ethnopharmacological significance of the four plants is
discussed.
PMID: 8246531 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
ANNATTO
Clinical References on Annatto (Bixa orellana)
1: Braz J Med Biol Res. 2004 Jul;37(7):969-77. Epub 2004 Jun 22.
Neutralization of the edema-forming, defibrinating and coagulant effects of
Bothrops asper venom by extracts of plants used by healers in Colombia.
Nunez V, Otero R, Barona J, Saldarriaga M, Osorio RG, Fonnegra R, Jimenez SL,
Diaz A, Quintana JC.
Grupo de Ofidismo y Escorpionismo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de
Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia.
We determined the neutralizing activity of 12 ethanolic extracts of plants
against the edema-forming, defibrinating and coagulant effects of Bothrops asper
venom in Swiss Webster mice. The material used consisted of the leaves and
branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae), Ficus nymphaeifolia (Moraceae),
Struthanthus orbicularis (Loranthaceae) and Gonzalagunia panamensis (Rubiaceae);
the stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea
(Bignoniaceae); the whole plant of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae) and
Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae); rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia
(Zingiberaceae), Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae) and Dracontium croatii
(Araceae), and the ripe fruit of Citrus limon (Rutaceae). After preincubation of
varying amounts of each extract with either 1.0 microg venom for the
edema-forming effect or 2.0 microg venom for the defibrinating effect, the
mixture was injected subcutaneously (sc) into the right foot pad or
intravenously into the tail, respectively, to groups of four mice (18-20 g). All
extracts (6.2-200 microg/mouse) partially neutralized the edema-forming activity
of venom in a dose-dependent manner (58-76% inhibition), with B. orellana, S.
orbicularis, G. panamensis, B. rosademonte, and D. croatii showing the highest
effect. Ten extracts (3.9-2000 microg/mouse) also showed 100% neutralizing
ability against the defibrinating effect of venom, and nine prolonged the
coagulation time induced by the venom. When the extracts were administered
either before or after venom injection, the neutralization of the edema-forming
effect was lower than 40% for all extracts, and none of them neutralized the
defibrinating effect of venom. When they were administered in situ (sc at the
same site 5 min after venom injection), the neutralization of edema increased
for six extracts, reaching levels up to 64% for C. limon.
PMID: 15264003 [PubMed - in process]
2: J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 7;52(7):1810-4.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy analyses of Bixa orellana seeds.
Felicissimo MP, Bittencourt C, Houssiau L, Pireaux JJ.
Instituto de Quimica de Sao Carlos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, POB 780,
BR-13564970 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Three different experiments were performed in order to obtain the major
carotenoid composition of the natural colorant annatto (E160b) through ToF-SIMS
(time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry) and XPS (X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy) analyses. In the first experiment, Bixa orellana seeds aril as
well as its interior part were analyzed. The analysis of the seeds aril by
ToF-SIMS gives the colorant fingerprint without any sample treatment, showing
the presence of bixin and its characteristic fragments. The analysis performed
in the interior part of the seeds indicates the presence of Fe. The second set
of measurements was conducted on the seeds organic extract right after
extraction revealing the same components observed by in situ measurement. A
third set of measurements was performed aiming to determine the reason for the
organic extract color shift observed after 3 months of exposure to ambient light
at room temperature. In this case, it was possible to evidence the degradation
of bixin by the loss of xylene molecules through ToF-SIMS and the probable
carotenoid oxidation based on the C1s XPS spectrum of the degraded extract.
PMID: 15053514 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
3: Food Chem Toxicol. 2004 Apr;42(4):625-9.
Subacute toxicity assessment of annatto in rat.
Bautista AR, Moreira EL, Batista MS, Miranda MS, Gomes IC.
Bahia Enterprise of Agriculture Development, Laboratory of Toxicology, Av.
Adhemar de Barros 967, Ondina. Salvador, Bahia, 40170-110, Brazil.
ebda.cla@bahia.ba.gov.br
Increased human use of annatto (Bixa orellana L), a red yellow food colorant,
demands generation of toxicity data. The toxic effects of annatto powder (bixin
27%) have been assessed following administration of a subacute regimen (4 weeks,
20 doses) in Wistar male and female rats. A full study with three dose levels
was considered unnecessary since no sign of toxicity had been noted in a
preliminary experiment with 1000 mg/kg body weight/day as was recommended by the
OECD guideline. In this study, annatto administered by gavage at a dose level of
2000 mg/kg/day decreased male body weight gain, but had no effect on either food
intake or food conversion efficiency. Haematological and plasma biochemical
examination as well necropsy performed at the end of administration (29th day)
and observation (43rd day) periods revealed no alterations related with annatto
administration. Kidney apoptosis occurred in 20% treated female rats in
restricted areas without proliferation or tubular segments modification. The
precise nature of apoptosis was not investigated in the present study. These
findings suggest that annatto was no toxic to the rat.
PMID: 15019187 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
4: Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Dec;40(12):1378-81.
Antimicrobial activity of crude extracts from plant parts and corresponding
calli of Bixa orellana L.
Castello MC, Phatak A, Chandra N, Sharon M.
Birla College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Kalyan 421 304, India.
Ethanol extracts from the different parts of B. orellana showed differential
antimicrobial activity. It was found that the extracts of in vitro leaves showed
maximum activity against Bacillus pumilus followed by the extracts from the
roots and hypocotyls. The callus derived from different explants too showed
antimicrobial activity. The leaf callus showed maximum activity. The zone of
inhibition for the diluted extracts of in vitro hypocotyls and roots and their
corresponding calli showed minimum zone of inhibition at concentration 24 mg/ml,
whereas the diluted extract of in vitro leaves and leaf derived callus showed
minimum zone of inhibition at 16 mg/ml.
PMID: 12974400 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
5: Food Chem Toxicol. 2003 Aug;41(8):1157-64.
A thirteen-week oral toxicity study of annatto extract (norbixin), a natural
food color extracted from the seed coat of annatto (Bixa orellana L.), in
Sprague-Dawley rats.
Hagiwara A, Imai N, Ichihara T, Sano M, Tamano S, Aoki H, Yasuhara K, Koda T,
Nakamura M, Shirai T.
Daiyu-kai Institute of Medical Science, 64 Goura, Nishiazai, 491-0113,
Ichinomiya, Japan. hagiwara@daiyu-kai.com
A subchronic oral toxicity study of annatto extract (norbixin), a natural food
color, was conducted. Groups of 10 male and 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were
fed annatto extract at dietary levels of 0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.9% for 13 weeks.
There were no treatment-related adverse effects on body weight, food and water
consumption, ophthalmology and hematology data. Blood biochemical analysis
revealed changes in rats of both sexes confined to the 0.9% and 0.3% groups,
including increased alkaline phosphatase, phospholipid, total protein, albumin
and albumin/globulin ratio. Marked elevation in absolute and relative liver
weights was also found in both sexes of the 0.9% and 0.3% groups, but not the
0.1% group. Hepatocyte hypertrophy was evident and an additional electron
microscopic examination demonstrated this to be linked to abundant mitochondria
after exposure to a dietary level of 0.9% annatto extract for 2 weeks. Thus, the
No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) was judged to be a dietary level of
0.1% (69 mg/kg body weight/day for males, 76 mg/kg body weight/day for females)
of annatto extract (norbixin) under the present experimental conditions.
PMID: 12842184 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
6: Science. 2003 Jun 27;300(5628):2089-91.
Biosynthesis of the food and cosmetic plant pigment bixin (annatto).
Bouvier F, Dogbo O, Camara B.
Institut de Biologie Moleculaire des Plantes, CNRS, Universite Louis Pasteur,
67084 Strasbourg, Cedex, France.
Bixin, also known as annatto, is a seed-specific pigment widely used in foods
and cosmetics since pre-Columbian times. We show that three genes from Bixa
orellana, native to tropical America, govern bixin biosynthesis. These genes
code for lycopene cleavage dioxygenase, bixin aldehyde dehydrogenase, and
norbixin carboxyl methyltransferase, which catalyze the sequential conversion of
lycopene into bixin. Introduction of these three genes in Escherichia coli
engineered to produce lycopene induced bixin synthesis, thus expanding the
supply of this economically important plant product.
PMID: 12829782 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
7: Acta Cient Venez. 2002;53(3):171-5.
[Microsporogenesis y microgametogenesis de annatto (Bixa orellana L.)]
[Article in Spanish]
Michelangeli C, Medina AM, Artioli P, Mata J.
Centro de Investigaciones en Biotecnologia Agricola (CIBA), Facultad de
Agronomia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Apartado Postal 4579, Maracay 2101,
Venezuela.
A series of buds of increasing maturity were individually sampled in order to
examine cytological events of annatto (Bixa orellana L.), genotype Portuguesa.
They were fixed in Carnoy II at 12:30 am, time of the highest rate of meiotic
division. Three stain solutions were attempted. In the microspores mother cells,
the use of acetic orcein 1% resulted in a good nucleus coloration and sharpness.
In contrast, a well chromosome resolution was achieved with the application of
propionic carmin 2%. The pollen grain mother cells (n = 8 chromosomes) at
metaphase I were found in floral buds of 0.5 to 0.6 cm long; tetrad stage in
buds of 0.6 to 0.7 cm long, uninucleate stage of microspores in buds of 0.7 to
0.8 cm long and the binucleate stage (pollen) in buds longer than 0.8 cm.
Microphotographies showing the sequence of meiotic division (microsporogenesis)
and subsequent mitosis to originate pollen grains were included.
PMID: 12658865 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
8: Fitoterapia. 2003 Feb;74(1-2):136-8.
Antimicrobial activity of the leaves and seeds of Bixa orellana.
Fleischer TC, Ameade EP, Mensah ML, Sawer IK.
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, K.N.U.S.T., Kumasi, Ghana.
tc_fleischer@yahoo.com
The ethanolic extracts of the leaves and seeds of Bixa orellana showed a broad
spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The activity of the leaf extract was more
pronounced.
PMID: 12628409 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
9: Braz J Med Biol Res. 2003 Jan;36(1):113-8.
Induction of liver monooxygenases by annatto and bixin in female rats.
De-Oliveira AC, Silva IB, Manhaes-Rocha DA, Paumgartten FJ.
Laboratorio de Toxicologia Ambiental, Escola Nacional de Saude Publica, Fundacao
Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil.
Annatto or urucum is an orange-yellow dye obtained from Bixa orellana seeds. It
has been used as a natural dye in a variety of food products, drugs and
cosmetics, and also in Brazilian cuisine as a condiment ('colorau'). Bixin, a
carotenoid devoid of provitamin A activity, is the main pigment found in
annatto. Some carotenoids (canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and beta-Apo-8'-carotenal)
are known to be potent inducers of CYP1A1, a property not shared by others
(beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein). Little is known, however, about the
CYP1A1-inducing properties of bixin and annatto. The present study was performed
to determine the effects of an annatto extract (28% bixin) and bixin (95% pure)
on rat liver monooxygenases. Adult female Wistar rats were treated by gavage
with daily doses of annatto (250 mg/kg body weight, which contains approximately
70 mg bixin/kg body weight), bixin (250 mg/kg body weight) or the vehicle only
(corn oil, 3.75 g/kg body weight) for 5 consecutive days, or were not treated
(untreated control). The activities of aniline-4-hydroxylase (A4H),
ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), ethoxy- (EROD), methoxy- (MROD), pentoxy-
(PROD) and benzyloxy- (BROD) resorufin-O-dealkylases were measured in liver
microsomes. Annatto (250 mg/kg containing 70 mg bixin/kg) induced EROD (3.8x),
MROD (4.2x), BROD (3.3x) and PROD (2.4x). Bixin (250 mg/kg) was a weaker inducer
of EROD (2.7x), MROD (2.3x) and BROD (1.9x) and did not alter PROD, A4H or ECOD
activities. These results suggest that constituents of the extract other than
bixin play an important role in the induction of CYP1A and CYP2B observed with
annatto food colorings.
PMID: 12532234 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
10: Food Chem Toxicol. 2003 Feb;41(2):189-92.
Study on the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of a natural food colour
(annatto) in mouse bone marrow cells.
Alves de Lima RO, Azevedo L, Ribeiro LR, Salvadori DM.
TOXICAN--Nucleo de Avaliacao Toxicogenetica e Cancerigena, Depto. de Patologia,
Faculdade de Medicina-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Most manufactured foods contain chemicals added as a deliberate part of the
manufacturing process. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the
mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of annatto, a natural pigment extracted from
the Bixa orellana L. and widely used as a colorant in foods. The micronucleus
test was performed in bone marrow cells from Swiss male mice treated with one of
the three concentrations of annatto (1330, 5330 and 10,670 ppm), incorporated
into the diet. The animals were fed with the diets for 7 days and sacrificed 24
h after the last treatment. For the evaluation of the antimutagenic potential of
annatto, at day 7, the animals received an intraperitoneal injection of
cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg body weight). Under the concentrations tested annatto
did not present mutagenic or antimutagenic activities on the mice bone marrow
cells. However, an increased frequency of micronucleated cells was observed when
the highest concentration (10,670 ppm) was administered simultaneously with
cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, the data indicate that annatto colour, for the
conditions used, is neither mutagenic nor an inhibitor of induced mutations,
although it should be used carefully since high doses may increase the effect of
a mutagen.
PMID: 12480296 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
11: Food Chem Toxicol. 2002 Nov;40(11):1595-601.
Evaluation of the developmental toxicity of annatto in the rat.
Paumgartten FJ, De-Carvalho RR, Araujo IB, Pinto FM, Borges OO, Souza CA,
Kuriyama SN.
Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National School of Public Health,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21045-900, Brazil.
paum@ensp.fiocruz.br
Annatto, a dye extracted from Bixa orellana seeds, is used as a color additive
in butter, cheese and in a variety of other foods as well as in drugs and
cosmetics. Toxicological data on annatto and on its main carotenoid pigment
bixin are still scarce. In this study we evaluated the developmental toxicity of
annatto (28% of bixin). Annatto (0, 31.2, 62.5, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body
weight/day) was given by gavage to Wistar rats on days 6-15 of pregnancy.
Ceasarean sections were performed on day 21. Implantations, living and dead
fetuses and resorptions were recorded. Fetuses were weighed and examined for
externally-visible anomalies. One-third of fetuses from each litter was examined
for visceral anomalies by a microsectioning technique. The remaining fetuses
were cleared and stained with Alizarin Red S for skeleton evaluation. No adverse
effect of annatto on the mothers was noted. No increase in embryolethality and
no reduction of fetal body weight were observed among annatto-exposed rats.
Annatto did not induce any increase in the incidence of externally-visible,
visceral or skeletal anomalies in the exposed offspring. These findings suggest
that annatto was neither maternally toxic nor embryotoxic in the rat. Therefore,
the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for annatto-induced maternal and
developmental toxicity was 500 mg/kg body weight/day or greater (or > or = 140
mg bixin/kg body weight/day) by the oral route.
PMID: 12176086 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
12: J Nutr Biochem. 2002 Jul;13(7):411-420.
Norbixin ingestion did not induce any detectable DNA breakage in liver and
kidney but caused a considerable impairment in plasma glucose levels of rats and
mice.
Fernandes AC, Almeida CA, Albano F, Laranja GA, Felzenszwalb I, Lage CL, de Sa
CC, Moura AS, Kovary K.
Departamento de Bioquimica, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes,
Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
From the seeds of Bixa orellana are extracted the carotenoids bixin and norbixin
that have been widely used for coloring food. In this study, the toxicity of
norbixin, purified or not (annatto extract containing 50% norbixin), was
investigated in mice and rats after 21 days of ingestion through drinking water.
Mice were exposed to doses of 56 and 351 mg/kg (annatto extract) and 0.8, 7.6,
66 and 274 mg/kg (norbixin). Rats were exposed to doses of 0.8, 7.5 and 68 mg/kg
(annatto extract) and 0.8, 8.5 and 74 mg/kg (norbixin). In rats, no toxicity was
detected by plasma chemistry. In mice, norbixin induced an increase in plasma
alanine aminotransferase activity (ALT) while both norbixin and annatto extract
induced a decrease in plasma total protein and globulins (P < 0.05). However, no
signs of toxicity were detected in liver by histopathological analysis. No
enhancement in DNA breakage was detected in liver or kidney from mice treated
with annatto pigments, as evaluated by the comet assay. Nevertheless, there was
a remarkable effect of norbixin on the glycemia of both rodent species. In rats,
norbixin induced hyperglycemia that ranged from 26.9% (8.5 mg/kg norbixin, to
52.6% (74 mg/kg norbixin, P < 0.01) above control levels. In mice, norbixin
induced hypoglycemia that ranged from 14.4% (0.8 mg/kg norbixin, P < 0.05) to
21.5% (66 mg/kg norbixin, P < 0.001) below control levels. Rats and mice treated
with annatto pigments showed hyperinsulinemia and hypoinsulinemia, respectively
indicating that pancreatic beta-cells were functional. More studies should be
performed to fully understand of how species-related differences influences the
biological fate of norbixin.
PMID: 12121828 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
13: J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Mar 27;50(7):2010-5.
Comparison of volatile compounds in water- and oil-soluble annatto (Bixa
orellana L.) extracts.
Galindo-Cuspinera V, Lubran MB, Rankin SA.
Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park,
Maryland 20742-2311, USA.
Annatto is a natural food colorant extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana
L. plant. Annatto is used in Latin American cuisine to add a deep red color as
well as distinctive flavor notes to fish, meat, and rice dishes. In the United
States, annatto extracts are primarily used to impart orange/yellow hues to
cheese and other dairy foods. The objective of this study was to identify and
compare volatile compounds present in water- and oil-soluble annatto extracts.
Volatile compounds were recovered using dynamic headspace-solvent desorption
sampling and analyzed using GC-MS. Compounds were identified by comparison to a
mass spectral database, Kovats indexes, and retention times of known standards.
Of the 107 compounds detected, 56 compounds were tentatively identified and 51
were positively identified. Volatile profile differences exist between water-
and oil- soluble extracts, and annatto extracts contain odorants with the
potential to influence food aroma.
PMID: 11902949 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
14: Acta Cient Venez. 2001;52(1):24-33.
[Identification and genetic variability of annatto genotypes (Bixa orellana L.)
by means of hydrosoluble proteins and isoenzymes]
[Article in Spanish]
Medina AM, Michelangeli C, Ramis C, Diaz A.
Centro de Investigaciones en Biotecnologia Agricola, Instituto de Genetica,
Apartado 4579, Facultad de Agronomia, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Maracay
2101, Venezuela.
In order to identify and to determine the genetic variability of 36 annatto
genotypes (Bixa orellana L.) collected in five Venezuelan regions (Oriente,
Centro, Llanos, Andes and Amazonas) and in Brazil, hydrosoluble protein patterns
as well as specific isozyme patterns (alpha-esterase, beta-esterase and
peroxidase) were studied using extracts of germinated annatto seeds with
radicles of 10 to 15 mm long. Each electrophoretic system allowed genotype
discrimination by means of unique banding patterns: both the hydrosoluble
protein and the electrophoretic system of beta-esterase with nine banding
patterns each; whilst alpha-esterase and peroxidase discriminated eight and
three genotypes, respectively. On the other hand, a combination of all the
systems permitted a greater discrimination since 34 out of 36 genotypes could be
distinguished. Eight mayor groups were formed that showed high levels of genetic
diversity (40 to 60%) with no association between geographic and genetic
distances, probably because of human influence in the aleatory distribution of
this crop. Results obtained indicated that using electrophoretic banding
patterns, a classification system could be established for identification and
genetic variability purposes in this species.
PMID: 11510424 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
15: Br J Nutr. 2001 Apr;85(4):431-40.
Biochemical behaviour of norbixin during in vitro DNA damage induced by reactive
oxygen species.
Kovary K, Louvain TS, Costa e Silva MC, Albano F, Pires BB, Laranja GA, Lage CL,
Felzenszwalb I.
Departamento de Bioquimica, Departamento de Biofisica e Biometria, Instituto de
Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio
de Janeiro, Brasil. kakovary@uerj.br
Naturally occurring antioxidants such as carotenoids are extensively studied for
their potential in reducing the risk for cancer and other chronic diseases. In
the present study, the radical-scavenger activity of the food additive norbixin,
a water-soluble carotenoid extracted from Bixa orellana seeds and commercialized
as annatto, was evaluated under conditions of DNA damage induced by reactive
oxygen species, particularly by hydroxyl radicals. The cell-free scavenger
activity of norbixin was evaluated using plasmid DNA as target molecule and Sn2+
or Fe2+ as oxidant. The addition of H2O2 enhanced DNA breakage induced by metal
ions, particularly Fe2+. Under these conditions, norbixin started to protect
plasmid DNA against single- and double-strand breakage at a metal:norbixin ratio
of 1:1 (Sn2+) and 1:10 (Fe2+). However, at lower ratios to Sn2+, norbixin
enhanced Sn2+-induced DNA breakage (P < 0.05). The ability of norbixin to
protect genomic DNA against oxidative damage was assessed in murine fibroblasts
submitted to H2O2-induced oxidative stress and the results were evaluated by the
comet assay. Under low serum conditions (2 % fetal bovine serum (FBS)), a
protective effect of norbixin against H2O2-induced DNA breakage was inversely
related to its concentration, a protection ranging from 41 % (10 microm) to 21 %
(50 microm). At higher concentrations of norbixin, however, oxidative DNA
breakage was still enhanced, even in the presence of a high serum concentration
(10 % FBS). Under normal conditions, norbixin per se has no detectable genotoxic
or cytotoxic effects on murine fibroblasts. The antimutagenic potential of
norbixin against oxidative mutagens was also evaluated by the Salmonella
typhimurium assay, with a maximum inhibition of 87 % against the mutagenicity
induced by H2O2. Although plasmid DNA and Ames data indicated that norbixin can
protect DNA against oxidative damage, it seems to be a risky guardian of genomic
DNA as it can also increase the extent of oxidative damage.
PMID: 11348557 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
16: Biologist (London). 2000 Sep;47(4):181-4.
Annatto: a natural choice.
Evans WC.
Annatto is a pigment derived from the seeds of Bixa orellana. It has been used
from antiquity in South America and for over 100 years in Europe. It is now an
important safe additive for a wide range of food, partly finding favour due to
its natural origin.
Publication Types:
Review
Review, Tutorial
PMID: 11153116 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
17: J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Nov;73(1-2):271-5.
A search for natural bioactive compounds in Bolivia through a multidisciplinary
approach. Part IV. Is a new haem polymerisation inhibition test pertinent for
the detection of antimalarial natural products?
Baelmans R, Deharo E, Bourdy G, Munoz V, Quenevo C, Sauvain M, Ginsburg H.
Instituto Boliviano de Biologia de Altura (IBBA), Casilla 717, La Paz, Bolivia.
The search for new antimalarial agents in plant crude extracts using traditional
screening tests is time-consuming and expensive. New in vitro alternative
techniques, based on specific metabolic or enzymatic process, have recently been
developed to circumvent testing of antimalarial activity in parasite culture.
The haem polymerisation inhibition test (HPIA) was proposed as a possible
routine in vitro assay for the detection of antimalarial activity in natural
products. A total of 178 plant extracts from the Pharmacopeia of the Bolivian
ethnia Tacana, were screened for their ability to inhibit the polymerisation of
haematin. Five extracts from Aloysia virgata (Ruiz & Pavon) A.L. Jussieu
(Verbenaceae), Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae), Caesalpinia pluviosa D.C.
(Caesalpiniaceae), Mascagnia stannea (Griseb) Nied. (Malpighiaceae) and
Trichilia pleenea (Adr. Jussieu) (Meliaceae) demonstrated more than 70%
inhibition of haematin polymerisation at 2.5 mg/ml. The extracts were also
tested for antimalarial activity in culture against F32 strain
(chloroquine-sensitive) and D2 strain (chloroquine-resistant) of Plasmodium
falciparum and in vivo against P. berghei. The extract from Caesalpinia pluviosa
was the only one that showed activity in HPIA and in the classical test in
culture. The accuracy and pertinence of HPIA, applied to natural products is
discussed.
PMID: 11025165 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
18: J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Nov;73(1-2):233-41.
Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of Colombia. Part III:
neutralization of the haemorrhagic effect of Bothrops atrox venom.
Otero R, Nunez V, Barona J, Fonnegra R, Jimenez SL, Osorio RG, Saldarriaga M,
Diaz A.
Programa de Ofidismo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, A.A. 1226,
Medellin, Colombia. rotero@catios.udea.edu.co
Thirty-one of 75 extracts of plants used by traditional healers for snakebites,
had moderate or high neutralizing ability against the haemorrhagic effect of
Bothrops atrox venom from Antioquia and Choco, north-western Colombia. After
preincubation of several doses of every extract (7.8-4000 microg/mouse) with six
minimum haemorrhagic doses (10 microg) of venom, 12 of them demonstrated 100%
neutralizing capacity when the mixture was i.d. injected into mice (18-20 g).
These were the stem barks of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia
rosea (Bignoniaceae); the whole plants of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae),
Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae) and Senna dariensis (Caesalpiniaceae);
rhizomes of Heliconia curtispatha (Heliconiaceae); leaves and branches of Bixa
orellana (Bixaceae), Philodendron tripartitum (Araceae), Struthanthus
orbicularis (Loranthaceae) and Gonzalagunia panamensis (Rubiaceae); the ripe
fruits of Citrus limon (Rutaceae); leaves, branches and stem of Ficus
nymphaeifolia (Moraceae). Extracts of another 19 species showed moderate
neutralization (21-72%) at doses up to 4 mg/mouse, e.g. the whole plants of
Aristolochia grandiflora (Aristolochiaceae), Columnea kalbreyeriana
(Gesneriaceae), Sida acuta (Malvaceae), Selaginella articulata (Selaginellaceae)
and Pseudoelephantopus spicatus (Asteraceae); rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia
(Zingiberaceae); the stem of Strychnos xinguensis (Loganiaceae); leaves,
branches and stems of Hyptis capitata (Lamiaceae), Ipomoea cairica
(Convolvulaceae), Neurolaena lobata (Asteraceae), Ocimum micranthum (Lamiaceae),
Piper pulchrum (Piperaceae), Siparuna thecaphora (Monimiaceae), Castilla
elastica (Moraceae) and Allamanda cathartica (Apocynaceae); the macerated ripe
fruits of Capsicum frutescens (Solanaceae); the unripe fruits of Crescentia
cujete (Bignoniaceae); leaves and branches of Piper arboreum (Piperaceae) and
Passiflora quadrangularis (Passifloraceae). When the extracts were independently
administered by oral, i.p. or i.v. route either before or after an i.d. venom
injection (10 microg), neutralization of haemorrhage dropped below 25% for all
the extracts. Additionally, B. rosademonte and P. percussa extracts were able to
inhibit the proteolytic activity of B. atrox venom on casein.
PMID: 11025161 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
19: Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1999 Sep;49(3 Suppl 1):71S-73S.
[Annatto: technological advances and perspectives]
[Article in Portuguese]
Carvalho PR.
Instituto de Tecnologia de Alimentos, Campinas, SP, Brasill.
Colorants derived from the seeds of annatto (Bixa orellana, L.) are extensively
used in the food industry. Their pecular characteristics, as that which permits
obtaining water-soluble and lipid-soluble colorants through small alterations of
the production process, was one of the factors responsible for the success of
this pigment. It can be observed that only recently, a little over five years,
efforts have been dedicated to the study of the physico-chemical characteristics
of the different carotenoid structures that compose the so-called annatto
colorant. The very industry that produces the colorant has only recently
perceived the possibility of obtaining colorants of different hues from annatto
seeds and has dedicated studies to this respect. On the other hand,
complementary toxicological studies of these pigments are being demanded,
putting their utilization in question, and only with the conclusion of these
work can their future be evaluated.
PMID: 10971847 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
20: J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Aug;71(3):505-11.
Snakebites and ethnobotany in the northwest region of Colombia: Part II:
neutralization of lethal and enzymatic effects of Bothrops atrox venom.
Otero R, Nunez V, Jimenez SL, Fonnegra R, Osorio RG, Garcia ME, Diaz A.
Programa de Ofidismo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, A.A. 1226,
Medellin, Colombia. rotero@catios.udea.edu.co
Twelve of 74 ethanolic extracts of plants used by traditional healers for
snakebites in the northwest region of Colombia, were active against lethal
effect of Bothrops atrox venom when they were i.p. injected into mice (18-20 g).
After preincubation of sublethal doses of every extract (0.5-4.0 mg/mouse) with
1.5 i.p. lethal dose 50% (LD50) (99.3 microg) of venom, seven of them
demonstrated 100% neutralizing capacity within 48 h. These were the stem barks
of Brownea rosademonte (Caesalpiniaceae) and Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae);
rhizomes of Renealmia alpinia (Zingiberaceae) and Heliconia curtispatha
(Heliconiaceae); the whole plants of Pleopeltis percussa (Polypodiaceae) and
Trichomanes elegans (Hymenophyllaceae); and the ripe fruits of Citrus limon
(Rutaceae). The other five extracts showing partial neutralization (45-80%;
10-30% survival rate in the control group receiving the venom alone; P<0.05)
were: leaves, branches and stem of Costus lasius (Costaceae); the whole plant of
Sida acuta (Malvaceae); rhizomes of Dracontium croatii (Araceae); leaves and
branches of Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) and Struthanthus orbicularis
(Loranthaceae). When the extracts were independently administered per oral or
i.p. route 60 min before an i.m. venom injection (204 microg=1.5 i.m. LD50), C.
limon, T. elegans, B. orellana and T. rosea extracts had partial and significant
neutralizing capacity against B. atrox venom lethal effect. C. limon extract was
also partially effective when it was administered either i.v. 15 min before or
i.p. 5 min after an i.m. venom injection. Three of the 12 extracts with
anti-lethal effect (C. limon, D. croatii and S. acuta) were devoid of
antiphospholipase A2 activity, when they were tested against one minimum
indirect hemolytic dose of B. atrox venom (2 microg) in agarose-erythrocyte-egg
yolk gels.
PMID: 10940590 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this web file is intended for education, entertainment and information purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plants described herein are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease and no medical claims are made. Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this web file and web site.
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