Annatto tested against DNA damage in liver cells
What it found
In lab tests on human liver cells, annatto reduced DNA damage caused by two of three mutagens, but not the third.
Higher doses of annatto also lowered cell survival.
What they found
Animal and lab studies
Annatto alone
Up to 10 microg/ml of annatto did not cause DNA damage in the liver cells. Above 10 microg/ml, fewer cells survived.
Benzo(a)pyrene damage
Annatto reduced DNA damage from benzo(a)pyrene when given before or at the same time as the mutagen.
Doxorubicin damage
Annatto reduced DNA damage from doxorubicin when given before or at the same time as the mutagen.
MMS damage
Annatto had no significant effect on DNA damage caused by methyl methanesulfonate, whichever way it was given.
Timing matters
The protective effect depended on the mutagen and on whether annatto was given before, with, or after it.
What the authors conclude
“Taken together, our findings indicate that AN presents antimutagenic activity in vitro, but its protective effect is dependent on the mutagen and on type of treatment suggesting its potential use as a chemopreventive agent.”
Also in their conclusions
- They say annatto shows antimutagenic activity in vitro.
- They note its protective effect depends on the mutagen and the type of treatment.
- They suggest annatto has potential use as a chemopreventive agent.
How it was done
Annatto is a natural food colour rich in carotenoids and has been reported as an effective antioxidant, but little was known about whether it could help prevent cell damage.
They exposed human liver cancer cells (HepG2) to annatto alongside three mutagens: benzo(a)pyrene, doxorubicin and methyl methanesulfonate. Annatto was given before, at the same time as, or after the mutagens, and cells exposed only to annatto were checked for toxicity and DNA damage.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- These are lab tests on human liver cancer cells, not studies in people.
- They cannot show whether eating annatto protects against DNA damage in the body.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Campus Universitário da USP, Brasil
The paper
- Title
- Effect of annatto on micronuclei induction by direct and indirect mutagens in HepG2 cells
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Animals and lab studies
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Barcelos GR, Angeli JP, Serpeloni JM, Rocha BA, Mantovani MS, Antunes LM (2009). Effect of annatto on micronuclei induction by direct and indirect mutagens in HepG2 cells. Environmental and molecular mutagenesis. doi:10.1002/em.20494PubMed 19402158DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error