Annatto

(Annatto)
Sanskrit: सिन्दूरी • Botanical: Bixa orellana Linn.

Sinduri (Bixa orellana) is a small tree grown for its seeds which yield the natural dye Annatto (Sindoor). The seeds are covered with a bright red-orange aril containing the dye Bixin. The flowers are pink or white. The seed paste is used as a coloring agent in food and cosmetics. The leaves and roots are also used medicinally. The tree is 3-6 feet tall with heart-shaped leaves. Annatto dye (v4-8%) is extracted from seed coating. It is used in fevers and wound healing. The dye has been used traditionally for body painting and as a sindoor (vermillion). Verse: 30-32.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Bixin C25H30O4, Norbixin, Carotenoids
Also Known As
English: Annatto, Lipstick Tree
Sanskrit: सिन्दूरी, रक्तबीज
Hindi: सिन्दूरी, लतकन

What is Sinduri / Annatto (सिन्दूरी)?

Sinduri (Bixa orellana) is a small tree grown for its seeds which yield the natural dye Annatto (Sindoor). The seeds are covered with a bright red-orange aril containing the dye Bixin. The flowers are pink or white. The seed paste is used as a coloring agent in food and cosmetics. The leaves and roots are also used medicinally. The tree is 3-6 feet tall with heart-shaped leaves. Annatto dye (v4-8%) is extracted from seed coating. It is used in fevers and wound healing. The dye has been used traditionally for body painting and as a sindoor (vermillion). Verse: 30-32.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Jwaraghna (antipyretic)
  • Vranaropana (wound healing)
  • Raktashodhana (blood purifier)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.