Petrol and benzene extracts of the mature plant roots have led to the isolation of five compounds which have been characterised as friedelin, epifriedelinol, ,6-sitosterol, carvone and dihydrocarvone. In case of latter two compounds, GLC studies were carried to establish their identity. In addition to these compounds, the chloroform extract of the ammoniacal water treated roots have led to the isolation of some basic constituents which respond to the alkaloidal tests. Due to very low concentration of these basic constituents we have not so far been able to separate them in workable quantities.

isolation of terephthalic acid and its methyl esters from the leaves and stems of Zizyphus sativa GAERTN. has been reported which constitutes the first example of its natural occurrence.Zizyphus sativa GAERTN. (Syn. Zizyphus vulgaris LAMB. (Rhamnaceae) is widely used in the indigenous medicine (CHOPRA,.NAYAR and CHOPRA, 1956). Recent pharmacological screening of the crude extract in the laboratory showed that i t possesses diuretic properties. The present work was, therefore, undertaken to isolate the substances therein in pure state.On column chromatography over neutral alumina, the petroleum ether (40-60") extract of the dry leaves and stems of the plant gave closely related substances: mono-and dimethyl esters of terephthalic acid along with free acid.