Edible portion: Seeds, Spice. The seeds are relatively tasteless[ 302 ]. They are briefly steeped in hot oil which is then strained and cooled to be used as a flavouring in various dishes[ 301 ]. The whole seeds can be ground into a paste with various other spices, which gives a more pronounced flavour[ 301 ]. The seeds have a high nutritive value, containing a small amount of fatty oil (5%) and about 13% of protein[ 299 ]. The ground seed is red and this can be used to colour foods[ 301 ]. A yellow colour is obtained from the seed coat, and this is widely used as a colouring in margarines etc in the food industry[ 301 ]. It is a harmless, non-carcinogenic dye[ 303 ] . It colours butter, margarine, cheese, and chocolate. It is ground and used as a spice (Annatto) in South America.

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The medical properties of annatto are poorly understood, but it is a bitter, astringent, purgative herb that reputedly destroys intestinal worms, lowers fever, improves digestion and has expectorant effects[ 238 ]. A decoction of the leaves is used as a treatment for dysentery[ 348 ], and to reduce vomiting during pregnancy[ 739 ]. The leaves are applied to the head and to sprains to relieve aches[ 303 ]. A decoction is gargled as a cure for mouth and throat infections. The leaves may also be used in baths to relieve muscular aches, fevers, colic or to get rid of worms in children[ 303 , 348 ]. The fresh shoots are steeped in water, which is then used as a eyewash for inflamed eyes[ 739 ]. The leaves can be picked as required and used fresh or dried[ 238 ]. The sap from the leaf petiole is soaked in hot water with rum, then used to remove secretions from encrusted eyelids as a treatment for blepharitis[ 348 ]. Young shoots are applied locally as a poultice on abscesses[ 348 ]. The roots are digestive and diuretic[ 739 ]. A decoction is taken orally to control asthma[ 303 ]. An infusion of the root in water and rum is used to treat venereal diseases[ 303 ]. A tea made from the root is used to treat oliguria and jaundice[ 303 ]. The seeds are used as an aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, expectorant and vermifuge[ 303 , 348 , 739 ]. They are used to treat asthma and nasal cavity problems[ 348 ]. A macerated seed decoction is taken orally for the relief of fevers[ 303 ]. In a syrup, they are used in the treatment of pharyngitis and bronchitis[ 739 ]. The ground seeds are applied to burns in order to prevent blistering and scarring[ 238 ]. The seeds are harvested as the fruits split open, and can be dried for later use[ 238 ]. They can also be soaked in hot water - the resulting sediment is pressed into cakes for use in medicines and dyes[ 238 ]. The pulp surrounding the seed is made into an astringent drink used to treat cancer, dysentery and kidney infections[ 238 , 303 ]. The fruit pulp is used as a rub on the skin to prevent sores, probably from sunburn[ 348 ]. The dye obtained from the seed coat is used as an antidote for prussic acid poisoning caused by eating poorly treated Manihot esculenta[ 238 , 303 ]. Sap from the bark and crushed leaves is used as a treatment for skin rashes[ 348 ]. A decoction of the bark is used as a treatment for malaria; angina and asthma[ 348 ]. The leaves contain cyanidine and ellagic acid[ 348 ].

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Small flowering tree, Dye plant, Planter, Accent, Flower Border, Screening, Conservatory. Suitable for growing indoors. Agroforestry Uses: The plant is amenable to pruning and can be grown as a hedge[ 302 , 418 ]. Plants are tolerant of hard trimming[ 200 ]. Other Uses A red dye, known as annatto, is obtained from the fruit[ 302 ]. The dye is obtained from the seed coat[ 418 ]. The dye is used to colour cloth, and is also used by native people as a cosmetic for painting the skin and as a lipstick[ 302 ]. It is also used in the cosmetic production of nail gloss, hair oil, lipstick and soap, as well as in the production of floor wax, furniture and shoe polish[ 418 ]. The colour rapidly fades when exposed to light and air[ 303 ]. A waxy substance that has paralytic action on mammalian intestinal parasites is present in the seed coat[ 303 ]. Bixin extracted from the seed coat is used in India as an insect repellent[ 303 ]. The red dye obtained from the seed is applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects[ 348 , 739 ]. Annatto paste filters out the ultraviolet rays of sunlight, thereby protecting the skin from excessive sunburn[ 303 ]. The bark from the branches of the trees yields a water-soluble gum that is similar to gum arabic[ 303 ]. The seeds contain a characteristic pleasant-smelling essential oil[ 303 ]. It is said that fire can be started by the friction of 2 pieces of the soft wood[ 303 ]. A fibre for cordage has been obtained from the bark of the tree[ 303 , 418 , 454 ]. The sapwood is whitish and the heartwood light brown or yellowish. The wood is soft, light in weight (specific gravity 0.4), porous, weak and not durable[ 303 ]. The stems and branches are used for fuel[ 320 ].

Special Uses