DRUGS USED IN AFRICA AS DYES .1. SKIN ABSORPTION AND TOLERABILITY OF BIXA-ORELLANA L

Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae) seed extract, used in Africa as a dye, was employed to evaluate the onset of the possible topical localized resp onses of the rabbit skin in single application, after repeated applica tion and after UV exposure. Histologic studies were also carried out t o evaluate the possible damage and penetration of Bixa colouring matte r into the rabbit hairless skin and into the hairs. The study showed t hat Bixa orellana has a good cutaneous tolerability and may encourage the use as a source of colouring matter in cosmetology.