Ingredient Science Guide

Annatto Seeds

One of nature's rarest sources of tocotrienol vitamin E

Naturally tocopherol-free • Rich in delta & gamma tocotrienols • Native to Central & South America

Annatto seeds come from Bixa orellana, a shrub native to Central and South America. Remarkably, annatto is the only known natural source of vitamin E tocotrienols that is naturally free of tocopherols.

The key to annatto's unique profile lies in three bioactive compound groups: tocotrienols (Vitamin E), bixin pigments, and geranylgeraniol. When standardized and extracted, these become the basis for DeltaGold®.

Why DeltaGold® MattersSee the Studies
Annatto Seeds
What It Is

What Are Annatto Seeds?

Annatto seeds are small, red-orange seeds from Bixa orellana, also known as achiote or the lipstick tree. Native to Central and South America, they have long been used as a natural food colorant and spice.

The bright pigment comes mainly from carotenoids such as bixin and norbixin. Beyond pigment, annatto contains two compound classes of particular interest: tocotrienols and geranylgeraniol (GG).

Pigment

Bixin & Norbixin

The carotenoid pigments responsible for the seed's distinctive red-orange color. Studied for antioxidant and radical-scavenging activity.[5]

Vitamin E

Tocotrienols (Delta & Gamma)

The most significant compound group in supplementation research. Annatto is uniquely free of tocopherols, which in other vitamin E sources have been shown to interfere with tocotrienol activity.[3]

Annatto Seeds at a Glance

Reference Sheet
Botanical NameBixa orellana L.
FamilyBixaceae
Active CompoundsBixin, Norbixin, T3, GG
Tocotrienol Profile90% delta, 10% gamma
Tocopherol Content~0%
Native RegionC. & S. America
Regulatory StatusFDA GRAS
Isoprenoid

Geranylgeraniol (GG)

A separate compound essential for protein prenylation and a natural precursor for CoQ10 and Vitamin K2 biosynthesis.[12]

How It Works

How Annatto Bioactives Work

Annatto contains three distinct compound classes — tocotrienols, carotenoid pigments, and geranylgeraniol — each studied for different biological mechanisms.

Tocotrienols

Modulates the Enzyme Involved in Cholesterol Production

Delta- and gamma-tocotrienol have been studied for their effect on HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme the body uses to produce cholesterol. This effect was attenuated when alpha-tocopherol was present.[3]

Tocotrienols

Resists Lipid Oxidation More Effectively Than Standard Vitamin E

Annatto's tocotrienol fraction inhibited lipid oxidation more effectively than both a palm-derived tocotrienol blend and standard alpha-tocopherol in a 28-day food-stability study.[4]

GG

Enables Protein Prenylation for Cell Function

Geranylgeraniol is converted into geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), which certain proteins require to attach to cell membranes and function properly.[12]

Bixin

Bixin's Radical-Scavenging Mechanism

Bixin has demonstrated the ability to scavenge multiple types of reactive molecules, directly neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS).[5]

Bixin

Reduces Oxidative Damage & Supports Cell Recovery

In cultured skin cells, bixin and annatto extract reduced oxidative stress markers and supported faster wound closure. This is a cultured cell model — not a human or animal study.[6]

Seed Extract

Antimicrobial Activity Against Bacterial Strains

Annatto leaf and seed extracts have been tested against several bacterial strains including Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus in laboratory conditions.[7],[8]

Research Findings

What the Published Research Shows

The following summarize the findings from peer-reviewed research on annatto-derived compounds. Study types vary and the evidence quality for each is noted. These are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tocotrienols

Delta-Tocotrienol Modulated Lipid Markers in a Human Trial

What the study found

In 31 hypercholesterolemic subjects following the AHA Step-1 diet, researchers found dose-dependent reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides at 125–500 mg/day of DeltaGold® over 8 weeks.[13]

Human Trial — n=31
Tocotrienols

Annatto Tocotrienols Outperformed Standard Vitamin E at Resisting Oxidation

What the study found

In a 28-day food-stability study, annatto's tocotrienol fraction inhibited lipid oxidation more effectively than both a palm-derived tocotrienol blend and standard alpha-tocopherol.[4],[5]

In Vitro / Food-Stability Study
Bixin

Bixin Reduced Oxidative Damage Markers in Cultured Skin Cells

What the study found

Bixin and annatto extract reduced markers of oxidative stress and supported faster wound closure in a cultured human skin cell model. The study is cell-based and preliminary.[6]

In Vitro — Cell Model (Not Human)
Seed Extract

Seed and Leaf Extracts Active Against Common Bacterial Strains

What the study found

Laboratory testing of annatto leaf and seed extracts found activity against Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Ultrasound-assisted extraction preserved higher levels of bioactive compounds.[7],[8]

In Vitro — Lab / Antimicrobial Testing
Dosage & Forms

How Annatto Seeds Are Used

Annatto seeds have two distinct uses: as a traditional kitchen ingredient, and as the source material for concentrated tocotrienol supplementation.

In the Kitchen

Annatto Seeds as a Spice

FormUse
Whole seedsSteeped in warm oil to release their color, then strained out
Achiote pasteGround seeds mixed with oil or vinegar, used in marinades and stews
Seed-infused oilUsed to tint rice, sauces, and broths

Culinary use provides no therapeutic amount of any compound — seeds are used in tiny quantities as a colorant only.

As a Supplement

Concentrated Tocotrienol Extract

DeltaGold® is available in two softgel strengths: 125 mg and 300 mg.

Annatto-Derived T3 DoseUsage
125–200 mg/dayGeneral wellness and cellular support
200–400 mg/dayAdvanced cellular and therapeutic support

Consult with your healthcare provider before starting supplementation or changing the dose. Tocotrienol supplements are generally considered safe up to 1,000 mg/day.

From Seed to Supplement

Why DeltaGold® Matters

Why the source matters

Annatto naturally provides primarily delta and gamma tocotrienols without alpha-tocopherol.

Understanding why annatto became the basis for a patented pharmaceutical-grade extract requires understanding a subtle but critical problem with ordinary vitamin E.

Most natural and synthetic vitamin E sources contain a mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols. A 1996 study found that alpha-tocopherol can blunt the effect of gamma-tocotrienol on HMG-CoA reductase activity. This means that in mixed-vitamin-E formulas, tocopherols may actively reduce the benefit of the tocotrienols present.

Most Vitamin E Sources

Mixed Tocopherol + Tocotrienol

  • Tocopherols present alongside tocotrienols
  • Alpha-tocopherol may attenuate tocotrienol activity[3]
  • Difficult to isolate tocotrienol effect
Annatto (DeltaGold®)

Tocotrienol-Only — Naturally Tocopherol-Free

  • Only known natural tocopherol-free source
  • 90% delta-tocotrienol, 10% gamma-tocotrienol[1]
  • FDA GRAS — standardized, pharmaceutical-grade extract
The Source

Annatto Seed

Bixa orellana seeds harvested in Central and South America. The only commercially scalable plant source with ~0% tocopherol content.

The Extract

DeltaGold®

A patented, standardized extract developed by Dr. Barrie Tan PhD. Standardized to 90% delta-tocotrienol and 10% gamma-tocotrienol. FDA GRAS status. Tocopherol-free.

The Product

Eannatto

Wellness Extract's formulation using DeltaGold® as the active ingredient. Available in 125 mg and 300 mg softgels.

The Advantage

No Interference

With zero tocopherols present, the delta- and gamma-tocotrienols in DeltaGold® can exert their studied effects without attenuation.

[3]
Wellness Extract Products

Eannatto: DeltaGold® Tocotrienols

EAnnatto 150+ Vitamin E Tocotrienols (DeltaGold®) with Geranylgeraniol (GG-Gold®)
DeltaGold®

EAnnatto 150+ Vitamin E Tocotrienols (DeltaGold®) with Geranylgeraniol (GG-Gold®)

Tocopherol-Free Annatto Extract

Premium Vitamin E Tocotrienols with Geranylgeraniol for comprehensive heart health, anti-aging support, and bone strength—perfect for those looking to optimize wellness every day.

Tocopherol-FreeGluten-FreeSoy-FreeNon-GMOThird-Party Tested
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Products Using This Ingredient

  • Heart Skin
    EAnnatto Vitamin E Tocotrienols 300mg 60 softgels supplement by Wellness Extract | 44847119171880Supplement Facts Vitamin E Tocotrienol | 44847119171880
    Vitamin E Tocotrienols Supplement - Eannatto DeltaGold 125-300mg (90% Delta, Tocopherol-Free)
    DeltaGold Vitamin E Tocotrienols Supplements - supports heart, brain and skin health. 90% delta tocotrienol, tocopherol-free, third-party tested. 125mg and 300mg available. Shop now.
    USD 69.99
    USD 69.99
    (-0%)
    Explore Formula
  • Skin Eyes
    Astaxanthin GG Vitamin E Tocotrienol softgels supplement bottle by Wellness Extract | 50587524956456Astaxanthin GG & Vitamin E Softgels | 50587524956456
    Astaxanthin, GG & Vitamin E Softgels – Protects Skin, Eyes, and Cells
    Astaxanthin Supplement with GG & vitamin E tocotrienols - powerful antioxidant blend for skin radiance, eye health & oxidative-stress defense. 60 softgels. Buy now.
    USD 33.99
    USD 33.99
    (-0%)
    Explore Formula
Peer-Reviewed Research

Clinical Evidence for Annatto Seeds

All claims made on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed sources below. Full citations with external links appear in the References section at the bottom.

01ResearchGate · 2014 · HPLC Analytical Study

Tocotrienol and tocopherol contents of annatto seed accessions

15 annatto seed accessions screened; confirmed ~0% tocopherol alongside high tocotrienol levels.

[1]
02J Adv Res · 2016 · Narrative Review

Phytochemistry, biological activities and potential of annatto

Comprehensive review of annatto phytochemistry, biological activities, and colorant production potential.

[2]
03J Nutr · 1996 · Animal Study

Alpha-tocopherol attenuates gamma-tocotrienol's impact on HMG-CoA reductase

Showed how alpha-tocopherol blunts gamma-tocotrienol's cholesterol-pathway effect in chickens.

[3]
04Food Chem · 2015 · Food-Stability Study

Antioxidant activities of annatto and palm tocotrienol-rich fractions

Annatto tocotrienols outperformed palm-derived blend and alpha-tocopherol in lipid oxidation resistance over 28 days.

[4]
05Food Chem · 2011 · In Vitro Study

In vitro scavenging capacity of annatto seed extracts

Tested bixin against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species; confirmed radical-scavenging activity.

[5]
06J Food Drug Anal · 2024 · Cultured Cell Study

Comparative bioactivity assessment of bixin pigment and phytochemicals

Bixin reduced oxidative damage markers and improved wound-closure rates in cultured skin cells.

[6]
Frequently Asked Questions

Evidence-Based Answers About Annatto Seeds

Annatto seeds have a mild, earthy taste with subtle sweetness and peppery, nutty notes. In cooking, they are primarily used for color rather than strong flavor.

Unlike virtually all other natural vitamin E sources, annatto seeds contain only tocotrienols with approximately 0% tocopherol content. Most other sources contain a mixture of both, and research suggests alpha-tocopherol can reduce tocotrienol activity.

In the kitchen, annatto is used as a natural food colorant and mild spice. When concentrated, it is the source of tocotrienol Vitamin E and geranylgeraniol (GG) in supplement form.

Yes. Annatto seed extract is generally recognized as safe (FDA GRAS) in food amounts, and tocotrienol supplements derived from annatto are considered safe up to 1,000 mg/day. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider.

DeltaGold® is a patented, standardized tocotrienol-only extract from annatto seeds developed by Dr. Barrie Tan PhD, standardized to ~90% delta-tocotrienol and 10% gamma-tocotrienol, tocopherol-free and FDA GRAS.

Reactions are rare, but as with any plant-derived ingredient, some people may be sensitive to annatto. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

No. Therapeutic doses range from 125–400 mg/day of tocotrienols. Annatto seeds are used in tiny quantities as a food colorant, so a standardized extract like DeltaGold® is the only practical way to reach these doses.

Vitamin E as a class has mild anticoagulant properties. If you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin, speak with your healthcare provider before starting any tocotrienol supplement.

A 1996 animal study found that alpha-tocopherol can significantly reduce gamma-tocotrienol's effect on HMG-CoA reductase activity. DeltaGold® eliminates this issue entirely.

Source Transparency

References

All footnoted claims on this page link to the peer-reviewed sources below. Click any citation or this header to expand.

[1]

Yong et al., 2014 — Tocotrienol and tocopherol contents of annatto seed accessions — ResearchGate / HPLC Analytical Study — View source
[2]

Islam et al., 2016 — Phytochemistry, biological activities and potential of annatto in natural colorant production — Journal of Advanced Research — View source
[3]

Qureshi et al., 1996 — Dietary alpha-tocopherol attenuates the impact of gamma-tocotrienol on HMG-CoA reductase activity in chickens — Journal of Nutrition — View on PubMed
[4]

Zou & Akoh, 2015 — Antioxidant activities of annatto and palm tocotrienol-rich fractions — Food Chemistry — View on PubMed
[5]

Chisté et al., 2011 — In vitro scavenging capacity of annatto seed extracts against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species — Food Chemistry — View source
[6]

Puri et al., 2024 — Comparative bioactivity assessment of bixin pigment and associated phytochemicals extracted from annatto seeds — Journal of Food and Drug Analysis — View on PMC
[7]

Viuda-Martos et al., 2012 — In vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts from annatto leaves and seeds — Journal of Food Safety — View source
[8]

Quintero Quiroz et al., 2019 — Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from annatto seeds — International Journal of Food Science — View on PMC
[9]

Shakeri et al., 2018 — Biological activities of three natural plant pigments and their health benefits — Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization — View source
[10]

Silva et al., 2024 — Annatto-based nanostructures for biomedical applications: a systematic review — Pharmaceutics — View on PMC
[11]

Guerrero-Lagunes et al., 2025 — The bioprospecting of Bixa orellana for selection of characters with biological activity — Metabolites — View source
[12]

Muehlebach & Holstein, 2023 — Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase: role in human health and disease — Clinical and Translational Medicine — View source
[13]

Qureshi et al., 2015 — Dose-dependent modulation of lipid parameters by δ-tocotrienol in hypercholesterolemic subjects restricted to AHA Step-1 diet — British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (n=31) — View source
[14]

Qureshi et al., 2016 — Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of higher doses of tocotrienols in healthy, fed human subjects — Journal of Bioequivalence & Bioavailability — View on PMC

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.