Gastroprotective Efficacy of Phyllanthus emblica L. in Stress-Induced Gastric Ulceration: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential

• Md Noouman Khan

  Bhupal Nobles' College of pharmacy

  Author

• Jenam Gandhi

  Author

• Abhishek Joshi

  Author

• Sakshi Rajput

  Author

• Shreya Sharma

  Author

• Dr. Sidhhraj Singh Sisodia

  Author

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects approximately 2.85 million people globally each year, with stress-induced gastric ulcers representing a significant clinical challenge in critically ill patients. Phyllanthus emblica L. (syn. Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), commonly known as Indian Gooseberry or "Amla," has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for millennia as a rasayana (rejuvenative) with specific indications for digestive disorders. This comprehensive review examines the phytochemical profile, pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical evidence supporting the gastroprotective activity of P. emblica fruit extracts, with particular emphasis on stress-induced gastric ulcer models. The fruit contains high concentrations of hydrolysable tannins (emblicanin A and B, punigluconin, pedunculagin), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), vitamin C (600-700 mg/100g), and phenolic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid). Preclinical studies demonstrate dose-dependent protection (50-75% ulcer index reduction) through multiple mechanisms: antioxidant activation (Nrf2/HO-1 pathway), anti-inflammatory action (NF-κB suppression), mucin secretion enhancement, HSP-70 upregulation, and HPA axis modulation. The therapeutic index exceeds 10 with an LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg, indicating excellent safety. This review synthesizes current evidence supporting P. emblica as a promising natural alternative to conventional proton pump inhibitors, which carry risks of nutritional deficiencies, fractures, and dysbiosis with long-term use.

Copyright (c) 2026 Md Noouman Khan, Jenam Gandhi, Abhishek Joshi, Sakshi Rajput, Shreya Sharma, Dr. Sidhhraj Singh Sisodia (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.