Annatto seed extract

Annatto (Bixa orellana) is a tropical shrub native to Central and South America, whose seeds are coated in a red-orange pulp rich in natural pigments. Annatto seed extract is primarily valued for its content of bixin and norbixin, two fat-soluble carotenoids responsible for its characteristic colour. It is also recognised for its tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E with documented antioxidant properties. These compounds contribute to protecting cells against oxidative stress. The tocotrienols found in annatto are considered potent antioxidants, and their role in supporting a balanced lipid profile is the subject of ongoing scientific research. Supplementing with annatto seed extract offers a concentrated source of tocotrienols and natural carotenoids — compounds that are rarely found in significant amounts in typical Western diets. It supports the body's overall antioxidant defences.