Importance and nutritional value with therapeutic properties of a traditional gulkand: A review

Abstract

Rose flowers are considered an emerging nutraceutical due to their specific nutritional and medicinal properties. In ancient times, people used fresh rose petals or flowers to improve the flavor, taste and aesthetic appearance of foodstuffs. Petals of Rosa damascena, R. centifolia and R. indica, etc., are preferably used for extraction of rose oil and the making of gulkand and residual parts used as rose water. Among all the products, rose oil and gulkand are the most popular and demanding products due to their medicinal, fragrance and flavor value. It is also called rose petal jam or rose jam because the rose petals are preserved with sugar/honey/Jaggery/dry date fruit /coconut sugar and have a jam-like texture. Mostly, it is used as a laxative, tonic and flavoring purpose. The main objective of this review was to present the formulation, nutritional and medicinal value with health benefits of gulkand as it is prepared using high-value fresh rose petals and sugar with equal ratio (1:1) or different ratio (2:1) and is mainly manufactured in northern states of India. It has a rich nutraceutical value consisting of polyphenols, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, ash, vitamin C, etc. In Ayurveda, regular consumption of gulkand as a food supplement provides several health benefits and strengthens the body to fight excess heat, lethargy, muscular pain, improves eyesight and also provides relief in gastric and circulatory problems. Therefore, it is a safe and potent Ayurvedic preparation that plays a vital role in human nutrition and health and also creates self-employment opportunities. Keywords: Gulkand, Rose petals, Sugar, Nutraceutical, Health benefits.