An Update on the Therapeutic Potential of Bixin and Norbixin Apocarotenoids

Plants have been a central source of natural resources for humanity with all kinds of uses and applications: food, cosmetics, natural remedies and medicines, dyes, textiles, construction materials, ornamental uses, and the extraction of various compounds, including natural pigments. Within pigments, there are four major groups of interest: anthocyanins, chlorophylls, betalains, and carotenoids. Carotenoids are characterized by being formed by relatively long hydrocarbon chains (25 - 50 C), which can end in linear or cyclic structures. In the carotenoid group, bixin and norbixin are two compounds of undeniable relevance as food and cosmetic pigments. However, in recent years, these compounds have been studied to understand other possible effects, mainly in the field of health, yielding promising results. This review features results from studies published in recent years with a focus on possible applications in the field of public health, mainly related to metabolic problems such as sugar and fat metabolism. Additionally, various other health applications are analyzed, and the results are summarized. The main conclusions reached by the authors are also mentioned for a better understanding of the importance of each study. Finally, general conclusions and perspectives are provided in order to continue exploring the possible applications of bixin and norbixin as potential bioactive and functional compounds.