Pharmacological and cosmeceutical applications of Bixa Orellana L.: A review of the scientific and patent literature

Abstract

Medicinal plants or herbs belonging to different traditional medicinal systems have been used as therapeutic agents for curing a number of diseases and infections. Hence, the application of such traditionally known medicinal plants and its phytoconstituents have increased considerably even in modern medicines. <em>Bixa orellana</em> L. — an Indian medicinal plant which belongs to the family <em>Bixaceae</em> is an Ayurvedic herb used since ancient times. This review aims to highlight the ethnopharmacology, pharmacological and cosmeceutical uses of <em>B. orellana</em> not only from scientific literature but also from patent documents. The prior art review of the phytoconstituents shows that <em>B. orellana</em> contains a wide variety of biologically active compounds such as bixin, norbixin, β-carotene, lutein, tocotrienol, tocopherols, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, etc. Pharmacological review revealed that this plant is useful as anti-inflammatory, anti-asthma, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, hepatoprotective, antifungal, anticancer agent. This review also highlights the year wise patent filing trends and the major assignees active in filing patents in this area. Such a review will provide useful insights for further biological or clinical investigations of the bioactive or active fractions from the plant.