Bixa orellana (Anaththa / Rata kaha)

Welcome to the Ayurvedic plants database




Bixa orellana $




Scientific name : Bixa orellana $

Family name : BIXACEAE

English name : Lipstick Tree

Local name : Anaththa / Rata kaha

Description : Shrub or small tree 2 – 6 (8) m high. Leaves 7 – 25 X 4 – 18 cm, broadly ovate, with acute, gradually long-acuminate apex and subcordate, sometimes truncate, base, scaly on both surface when young, later only on the lower surface, ultimately glabrescent, with numerous small red dots beneath. Flowers 10 – 50 in corymbose panicles. Developing fruit covered with soft, dark red prickles. Mature capsule 4 – 5.5 x 3 – 4 cm, ovoid or deltoid. Seeds obovoid, smooth, angular.

Status : Only under cultivation

Edible parts : none

Ayurvedic usage :
      Treatment for-

         Jaundice
         Nervous Diseases


       PARTS   USED IN TREATMENT:

         Seeds
         Roots


      RELATED   MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:  

         Laxative