The naturally occurring apo-carotenoid bixin is obtained from annatto (Bixa orellana). It is unique among the natural carotenoids through its water solubility and easily extractability from the seed coat of Bixa orellana. Bixin is (2E,4E,6E,8E,10E,12E,14E,16Z,18E)-20-methoxy-4,8,13,17-tetramethyl-20-oxicosa 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18-nonaenoic acid, an apo-carotenoid which is a terpenoid compound derived from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Several biological activities of bixin has been reported earlier such as selective antimyeloma effects of cis-bixin, antinociceptive and anti-Inflammatory effects, antioxidant action against cis-platine induced chromosome in rats, hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, allodynia, anxious and depressive-like behaviors, targeting NRF2 for improved skin barrier function and photoprotection, antiatherogenic effect in hypercholesterolemic rabbits, triggering apoptosis of cancer cells, immunomodulatory role in dogs, sensitization of human melanoma cells to dacarbazine-induced apoptosis, sensitization of human lung cancer and cervical cancer cell to cisplatin in vitro, anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, antibacterial activity of cis-bixin conjugated silver nanoparticles, protective effect on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, bixin/crocetin nanoparticles on quality and shelf life improvement of cheddar cheese etc. In this review, the biological properties of bixin has been discussed. A practical method for the isolation of bixin 1 from the seed coat of Bixa orellana commonly known as “Sinduri” (in Bengali) and its characterization has also been reported.
