State Tree of Uttarakhand Burans(Rhododendron arboretum)
Rhododendron arboreum (Burans) tree from the valley of Himalayas known for its bright scarlet red bell shaped flowers filled with sweet nectar.
Nutritional value of Burans flower
Burans flower offers mainly fibers and is good source of Potassium, Calcium, Iron and Vitamin C. Bright red color of this flower is due to presence of vitamin like flavonoid Quercetin. Rhododendron flower offers good amount of phtyochemicals of medicinal value including phenols, saponins, xanthoproteins, tannins, flavonoid and coumarins. Three biologically active compounds – quercetin, rutin and coumaric acid have been found in this flower. Interestingly these are the three compounds found in apple and responsible for its health benefits. While the leaves have similar phytochemcials content, they posses other compounds which are potentially toxic in nature. Burans leaves have been used as traditional medicine to cure some diseases. Burans young leaves of Rhododendron arboreum have been traditionally used in treating headache. Burans flower juice is thus a great antioxidant drink for the heart, liver, kidney and skin of human beings. The Phytochemicals present in burans mainly flavonoids, tannins, sterols and reducing sugars were considered responsible for such ability to treat diarrhea.