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Review Papers | Food Science | India | Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022

Nutraceutical Aspects of Rhododendron (Burans): Certainly a Need to Include Some Other Species for Food and Beverage Production

Acharya Balkrishna | Uday Bhan Prajapati | Rama Shankar | Rashmi Atul Joshi

Abstract: Rhododendron species belongs to dicotyledonous family Ericaceae with small shrub to tree bearing pink to orange yellow, deep red clusters of flowers. Flowers and other plant parts of some species are used medicinally and for preparations of other food items, although few species in the genus are poisonous. The species are rich in phytoconstituents, acclaiming their medicinal attributes. The flowers of R. arboreum are widely used to prepare a squash locally in India and offers health promoting activities as are rich source of antioxidants. The present review focuses on the different Rhododendron species found in India highlighting their photochemistry, traditional uses, pharmacognostic features and their valuable novel nutritional aspects. However, only the detailed investigation and nutritional aspect of R. arboreum are acclaimed. There is a need to explore more about the other Rhododendron species so as to utilize them at a larger scale. Seven species of Rhododendron have been identified as medicinal from India which needs to be studied in depth for their nutraceutical attributes. The assessment of nutritional contents of carbohydrate, fat, protein, fibers and micronutrients will help to establish their nutritional values. There is also a need for conservation of Rhododendron species by establishing Rhododendron gardens through Village Forest Management committees.

Keywords: Rhododendron, nutraceutical, burans, flower, phytoconstituents, India

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 12, December 2022,

Pages: 312 - 321

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