The Bixaceae family is one of the smallest plant families, consisting only of one genus, Bixa. There are only five
species grouped under a single genus, and the most common species is Bixa orellana, an evergreen shrub grown not only because of its beautiful red flowers and ornamental red spiny fruits, but also for its economic value. Bixa orellana, also known as “annatto”, is native to tropical America [1], but widely cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics, including Malaysia. Bixa orellana is well known for its coloring agent and medicinal value. The seeds are sources of food coloring and a dye called annatto. Besides that, they are also used as treatment for illnesses like gonorrhea and asthma and have been traditionally used as gargle for sore throats. The bark and root can be used to treat fever; the leaves
are used as a cure for snakebites, jaundice, diabetes and hypertension, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, while
also being used as a postpartum medicine in Malaysia [2]. The leaves of Bixa orellana have been reported to have antimicrobial [3], antifungal, antileishmanial [4], anticonvulsant, analgesic [5] and anti-inflammatory activities [6].