The paper deals with a phytochemical investigation on the fruit of Averrhoa carambola L. belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. Commonly known
as “star fruit”. Fruits and leaves are used widely in Ayurveda preparations to pacify impaired Kapha, pitta, skin diseases, pruritis, worm infestations,
diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhoids, intermittent fever, over-perspiration, and general debility. In the present study fruits of Averrhoa carambola L.
were screened for their phytochemical constituents following hot continuous and successive extraction by Soxhlet apparatus. A qualitative assay
was done using a range of solvents. The extraction process was carried using different solvents successively in the order of increasing polarity.
Qualitative analysis of the extracts using standard procedures revealed the presence of alkaloids, avonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides,
steroids&terpenoids, phenols, coumarins, and phytosterols. Preliminary screening of phytochemicals is a valuable step, in the detection of the
bioactive principles present in medicinal plants and subsequently, may lead to drug discovery and development.