FROM SEED TO SHRUB: A THOROUGH REVIEW OF BIXA ORELLANA AND ITS DIVERSE APPLICATIONS

The plant Bixa orellana (Annatto) is a botanical treasure with a complex personality that shows adaptability beyond commercial and cultural limits. Following a thorough investigation, this plant's "From Seed to Shrub" journey is revealed, considering a variety of medicinal uses. The main attraction of this plant is the vivid reddish-orange pigment, derived from its seeds, which has become a staple in the culinary sector. Vegan items and ethnic foods alike benefit from the unique color and traditional flavor that annatto adds to food preparations. Bixa orellana is used in traditional medicine for purposes other than coloring; its extracts are said to have medicinal qualities. Its profound cultural importance, which is ingrained in native customs and ceremonies, lends depth to its adaptable nature. Industrially, the plant is highly productive because it can produce annatto dye, a commodity that finds use in textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This makes annatto an important component of worldwide industrial processes. The plant's ability to adjust to many environmental circumstances adds to its allure, making it easier to cultivate and guaranteeing accessibility on a worldwide level. Further investigation into the phytochemistry of Bixa orellana is also pointing to possible pharmaceutical uses, which could lead to the creation of new therapeutic opportunities. Its socio-economic significance is highlighted by the fact that annatto production and commercialization considerably improve living conditions in areas where it is abundant. Overall, Bixa orellana is a botanical wonder that has a rich history of use in a variety of disciplines, including being a versatile plant with a wide range of uses and a bright future. [Article no. 180] doi:10.21276/bpr.2023.13.3