Researchers have recently discovered a natural food additive that can fight off the development of certain skin cells in mice. Annatto, which is primarily used as food coloring, is said to contain bixin, a compound that can block the formation of carcinogens caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

The results of the study have led the scientists to explore the possibility of annatto-rich diets can have similar sun damage prevention in humans.

The team from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy behind the research were in a hunt for molecules that can activate the Nrf2 pathway in the body when they discovered the said compound. This pathway is responsible for strengthening the human cells to fight against carcinogens.

Once the bixin was discovered, they immediately brought it in the laboratory to run several tests on mice. Two groups of mice were exposed to UV radiation, in which one group were injected with the compound. The results showed that the group that received the dosage had less of a reaction to the UV radiation exposure.

Georg Wondrak, who conducted the research together with Donna Zhang, said that the discovery is unique because bixin "prevents UV skin damage from the inside out by inducing cells to make protective antioxidants and repair factors."

It must be clarified, however, that bixin does not kill already existing skin cancer cells but prevents the their formation instead.

"[I]f you suppress sunburn, you can prevent the formation of cancer. That's the rationale," Wondrak told Tucson News Now. "[Bixin] helps cells to mount a stress response that protects them against skin damage by UV light - sunburn."

Interestingly, the compound's preventive properties might not just be limited to skin cancer. Wondrak explained that the molecular pathway engaged by bixin could suppress cancer in other organs, such as colon and liver.

In ancient times, the seeds of this fruit, which is obtained from the achiote tree, had been used by Mayans as body paint. They have also been a source of makeup colors and cooking ingredients for Native Americans since the pre-Columbian era.