Himalayan Buransh - A Flower That Can Fight Coronavirus

Why is Himalayan Buransh in the News Lately:

The Himalayan Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum) has recently made headlines because researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi have discovered that its petals inhibit the replication of COVID-19. An experiment conducted with Vero E6 cells that were infected with COVID-19 (cells from the kidney of an African monkey which are commonly used in experiments to study the infectivity of bacteria and viruses) has proved this.

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology have found a possible treatment for Covid-19 infection in the petals of the Himalayan Buransh plant. It has been proven that the flowers of the Himalayan Buransh have antiviral properties and are able to fight off the Coronavirus. A recent study published in the journal "Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics" sheds light on the results of this research. Team members are investigating the virus's characteristics and seeking new ways to stop its spread.

What Researchers Said on Himalayan Buransh:

IIT Mandi Professor Shyam Kumar Masakapalli explains that his team has been studying Himalayan plants, including both rare and endangered species, as well as aromatic and medicinal plants, since 2019. An end goal of their project was to establish a Himalayan Phytochemistry Library that would help them understand how plant compounds can aid in fighting certain diseases. The Pandemic had hit in 2020, so they have accelerated their search for medicinal plants that can combat the COVID-19 infection.

Even though Himalayan Buransh petals have been a local delicacy for centuries, this is the first time that their properties are being studied. Despite the leaves being poisonous, the petals are used as condiments. During summer, it is sold as squash that acts as a cooling agent. Computational and biochemical analyses were conducted based on the phytochemicals extracted from these petals. Hot water extracts of the petals are reported to be a rich source of quinic acid and its derivatives, according to research.

Researchers discovered two kinds of effects these phytochemicals have on viruses in Molecular Dynamics studies. These molecules are bound to the main viral protease - an enzyme that is important for viral replication - as well as the Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) that is essential for viral entry into the host cells.

How Himalayan Buransh is Tested:

Scientists explained the test's methodology by saying that monkey liver cells were exposed to the COVID-19 virus, causing some cells to die and the virus to multiply. However, after adding these plant-derived compounds (in different amounts), the viral load decreased and the virus impact was reduced up to 80%.

"Phytochemical profiling, computer simulations, and in vitro anti-viral tests showed that the Buransh petals inhibit the replication of the COVID-19 virus in a dose-dependent manner," reported Dr Sujatha Sunil, Vector-Borne Disease Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi. Still, it will be a year before it is apparent whether this compound can be used to treat COVID-19. Clinical trials and further studies will be required to determine whether the compound can target COVID-19.

What is Himalayan Buransh:

Himalayan Buransh (Tree Rhododendrons), also known as arboreum rhododendrons, are evergreen shrubs and small trees with showy red flowers. Various parts of the world have this species, including Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Thailand. In Nepal, it is a national flower. Uttarakhand and Nagaland both have these as their state trees in India.

Himalayan Buransh Appearance:

Its specific epithet means "tending to be woody or growing in a tree-like form". It has been recorded as reaching heights of 20 m, though more usually 12 m tall and broad. This plant holds the Guinness Record for World's Largest Rhododendron. 108 feet tall when measured as of the time of discovery and still growing today, the tree was discovered in 1993 in Nagaland, in the Kohima district, and holds the Guinness Record for tallest Rhododendron.
In early- and mid-spring, trusses of 15–20 bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm wide and 3–5 cm long are produced in red, pink, or white. In addition to their black nectar pouch, they also have black spots.

Cultivation of Himalayan Buransh:

Rhododendron arboreum requires dappled shade, moist but well-drained soil that's leafy, humus-rich, and with an acid pH. This plant has dark green leaves 7-19 cm (37.5-7.5 in) long, which are covered in a silvery, fawn, or brown hairy coating beneath. Woodland gardens are ideal for growing this plant. A shelter is necessary so the leaves do not get damaged by wind.