48PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF AERIAL PARTS OF CARISSA CARANDASAim: Carissa carandas is an important drug mentioned in the traditional medicinal texts. Recent pharmacological studies show that its fruits possess significant anti-diabetic activity. The roots of C. carandas have been proved to possess anticancer activity. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study or phytochemical investigation of its leaves and stem has been performed yet. Materials and methods: The present work deals with the pharmacognostic evaluation of the leaf and stem material of C. carandas and establishment of its quality parameters, including phytochemical evaluation. Results: The important diagnostic features of the powder include pericyclic fibres, calcium oxalate prism crystals and various glandular trichomes. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of important classes of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, saponin glycosides, flavanoids, phenolics and carbohydrates. Conclusion: Such a detailed work would help in future isolation of active constituents and standardization of its formulations.pandyadevang82@yahoo.comResearch312012Apocynaceae,Carissa carandas,KaramardaSM. MOTWANI,EP. PANDEY,NP. SONCHHATRA,TR. DESAI,VL. PATEL,DJ. PANDYARK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA,RK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA,RK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA,RK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA,RK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA,RK COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, RAJKOT – 360020, GUJARAT, INDIA