Author(s): BM Meghashree, TR Shantha, G Venkateshwarlu and Sulochana Bhat

Abstract: According to Ayurvedicclassicsfruits of different stages of growth have different properties which possess different effects on consumption; therefore choosing a right stage of fruit for consumption or formulation preparations is very important. This study aims to establish the pharmacognostic standards and evaluate the difference between 3 growing stages of fruit and its seeds along with histochemical analysis on an impor¬tant medicinal & dietetic fruit Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. Known as kushmanda in Sanskrit. The present study revealed important characters like presence of discontinuous patches of stone cells in tender stage, powder study revealed more parenchyma cells in tender stage and more xylem vessels and starch grains in mature stage. Difference in percentage of histochemicals in fruit and seed showed more of phytochemical in mature stage.