Nutraceutical Prospects of Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh): A Comprehensive Phytochemical Assessment

Abstract

Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh) is a State tree of Uttarakhand, India and is iconic Himalayan tree species. This study provides an integrated phytochemical profile of Buransh flower with a special emphasis on the nutraceutical potential of the flowers. The total flavonoids, total phenols, anthocyanins, carotenoids and flavanols were found to be exceptionally high in flower petals (1276.5mg/100ml, 956.5mg/100ml, 154.8mg/L, 2685µg/100ml and 288.7mg/100ml respectively) and the total antioxidant capacity was 70.4mM Trolox equivalent/L. The major bioactive components, such as quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, gallic acid, and ferulic acid exhibit proven cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective effects in both in vitro and in vivo settings. The moisture content was high (79.4%) while the mineral profile was safe as the minerals like iron, manganese, zinc were found to be present in therapeutic levels (405 ppm, 50.2 ppm and 32 ppm, respectively) and heavy metals were found to be below the permissible limits set by WHO/FAO. The total antioxidant activity found to be 70.4 mM Trolox equivalent/L is greater than commercially available nutraceutical drinks like blueberry juice and pomegranate juice. The study also assesses the industrial formulation potential of Buransh in functional beverages, herbal supplements, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceutical excipients. With the introduction of the Geographical Indication (GI) brand for Uttarakhand Buransh in 2023 (GI No. 866, Certificate No. 523), the need for commercial standardization is justifiable both scientifically and economically. The study concludes that the flowers of Buransh are a potential high value nutraceutical ingredient, which has great potential to formulate standardized nutraceuticals, herbal supplements and anti-oxidative therapeutics, thus making R. arboreum a potential flagship Himalayan plant for the global nutraceutical and functional food market.