Traditional Use, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry of Rhododendron arboreum, The State Tree of Uttarakhand

A small evergreen Himalayan tree, Rhododendron arboreum is the national flower of Nepal and state tree of Uttarakhand.North America, Europe, Australia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, and Tibet are among the regions where rhododendron grows.Rich in many nutrients and minerals, it can be used for a variety of things, including firewood, food colouring, decorations, and cooling drinks. The various part of plants like flowers, leaves, bark, and roots, have been used to treat a variety of disease such as illnessesincluding fever, diabetes, inflammation, liver issues, infectionsand respiratory ailments. Different types of phytochemicals are present in this plant which include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids .These active constituent play an important role in pharmacological activity such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral, analgesic, adaptogenic effects and quercetin, hyperoside, ursolic acid, and betulinic acid are some important compound thatcontribute to these therapeutic actions..Flowers of this plant are traditionally utilized by the people residing in the mountainous region to make pickle, juice, jam, syrup, honey, squash.By combining traditional knowledge with modern scientific discoveries, this study highlights the medicinal potential of R. arboreum and encourages its future application in the creation of herbal medications and nutraceutical products.