Therapeutics of a Spectacular plant Rhododend...

Therapeutics of a Spectacular plant Rhododendron arboretum (Buransh) especially against SARS-CoV-2 - A Review Study

Author Name : Dr Meenakshi Sharma, Dr. Gaurav Kumar Garg

ABSTRACT

Rhododendron arboreum is the world’s most famous rhododendron. This spectacular plant is  designated as National flower of Nepal and State tree of  Uttarakhand. It is commonly known as Buransh among population and is being used since decades owing to its medicinal properties. Besides most widely practiced use of Giloya and Ashwagandha against Covid -19, recently scientists have tried to establish potential of this plant in fighting against  single stranded RNA genome (SARS –CoV-2).¹¹ This Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has taken toll of precious human lives across the world especially among vulnerable group. Flowers of this plant are rich source of certain bioactive substances which have competitive action against ACE-2 receptor or the Serine protease TMPRRS2 which are essential for entry of this corona virus inside host cell. Moreover  bark, flower and leaves of the plant also have Anti-oxidant and Anti-inflammatory properties.¹² Here we intend to project the recent findings regarding uses of this plant in battling this pandemic along with other major therapeutic effects.

Keywords: Rhododendron arboreum, Buransh, Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology, SARS-CoV-2