Present in the Cuban countryside, the Bija or Achiote is a medicinal plant used mainly in the past, for the production of dyes and as a spice for the preparation of certain dishes such as "Yellow Rice" or "Cuban Cardoza".
The most common namesunes are: Achiote, acote, achihuete, saca achiote, urcu, annato.
BIJA
Other names comunes
Achiote and Achote.
Scientific name
Bixa orellana L.
botanical family
Bixaceae
Description
A shrub up to 9 m tall, with brown bark and usually scaly young branches. Ovate leaves, 8–20 cm long and 4–15 cm wide, with a long petiole. Flowers in terminal panicles; a corolla of 5 petals, twisted at the bud, rounded and pink; numerous stamens. The fruit is ovate-globose, capsular, about 4 cm in diameter, densely covered with soft, thin spines. Numerous seeds.
Phenology
It blooms between August and September; ripe fruit appears 60 days after flowering begins, and can be found on the plant until January and February.
Origin
Native to tropical America. Naturalized in the tropics of the Old World.
Useful part
The seeds.
Recognized medicinal properties
Skin and mucous membranes: Antibacterial
Pharmaceutical forms described
Herbal medicine.
Route of administration
Topical.
Other attributed properties (Not yet approved)
Leaf poultices are emollient, refreshing, and anti-inflammatory. The oral decoction is emmenagogue.
Hepatotropic, antiemetic, diuretic, antivenereal, and hemostatic. The seeds are used for asthenia, asthma, diarrhea, and dandruff, and their oily maceration is used for burns.
Warnings
The LD50 (intraperitoneal mouse) is 700 mg/kg of body mass. It produces pancreatotoxicity, hepatotoxicity,
Hyperglycemia and apparent increased insulin levels in dogs. It is popularly reported to affect the heart.
Other uses
It is used in toothpastes and hygiene powders. The essential oil is used in perfumery. The seeds are used as a colorant and as a substitute for saffron.
Alternative
The seeds contain vitamin C, iron and protein. The fruits have protein, beta-carotene and other carotenoids (bixin and
norbixin, among others). Flavonoids and a sesquiterpene derivative (eshwarane or bixhaghene) are evident in the leaves. The seed has 1000–2000 IU of vitamin A per gram of oil extract.
Preparation and dosage
The ethanolic extract is responsible for the antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi (in vitro).
Source: FNM
Attention: The information we provide should not be used, under any circumstances, for medical diagnoses, clinical or surgical procedures, or laboratory tests, nor for prescribing treatments or medications, without prior medical advice. Please consult a specialist.
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