Why in news?

• Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have identified phytochemicals in the petals of a Himalayan plant that could potentially be used to treat COVID-19
• The research found that phytochemical-rich petals of Rhododendron arboreumfound in the Himalayan region, locally called “Buransh” show antiviral activity and fight against the virus.
• The findings of the research team have been recently published in the journal  Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics.