Vol. 12, Special Issue 9 (2023)

The Rhododendron genus has a large number of species around 1024 species. In India, it is found in the trans-Himalayan region, specifically Nepal, it is also founded and awarded as the national flower of Nepal. In Himachal Pradesh Rhododendron is awarded as the state flower. The shrub is 10-40 inches tall. They may be either evergreen or deciduous. In some species, the undersides of the leaves are covered with scales (lepidote) or hairs (indumentum). Some of the best-known species are noted for their many clusters of large flowers. The parts of the rhododendron plant are having phytochemicals. A particular part is carrying particular phytochemical and that phytochemical cures a particular disease. Today that phytochemicals are used to make nutraceuticals and functional foods. Like ursolic acid shows anti-inflammatory properties and is used in nutraceuticals. Nowadays functional foods like cookies are made by using dry flowers of Rhododendrons. It is having pharmacological value and toxicological values. Which gave more value to this plant in the field of Ayurveda. Some species of the Rhododendron genus are used as anti-insecticide. In India, Rhododendron arboretum is used widely for developing new products. Phytochemicals like ursolic acid and Quercetin fight against cancer and show anti-diabetic properties. Other phytochemicals like Quercetin, Columaric acid, tripernoids, and Betulinic acid are the major components found in the rhododendron plant.